paraphrenia
Pronunciation: PAIR-uh-FREN-ee-uh
Late-onset paranoid psychosis occurring in elderly patients without significant cognitive decline or mood symptoms.
Full Definition
Paraphrenia describes a form of late-onset psychosis characterized by well-organized paranoid delusions and hallucinations that develop after age 60, typically without the cognitive impairment seen in dementia or the mood symptoms of major psychiatric disorders. First described by Emil Kraepelin, the condition predominantly affects elderly women and often involves persecutory themes such as neighbors conspiring or intruders entering the home. Unlike early-onset schizophrenia, personality and social functioning may remain relatively preserved outside of the delusional beliefs. The term remains somewhat controversial in modern psychiatry, with some clinicians preferring 'late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis' or 'delusional disorder' as more precise diagnostic categories.
Usage
Usage note: Historical term with evolving usage; verify current diagnostic terminology in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "The patient's paraphrenia presented as elaborate delusions about neighbors while maintaining intact cognitive function." — Forensic psychiatry evaluation
- "Paraphrenia diagnosis requires careful exclusion of substance-induced psychosis and medical conditions." — Geriatric psychiatry case conference