Epidemiology of persecutory ideation in an elderly population in the community.

Of 997 elderly people living in the community, 40 (4%) were found to have generalized persecutory ideation. Sensory deficits and cognitive impairment were significant risk factors for the development of this symptom complex. Generalized persecutory ideation was also associated with impairments in physical health, social and economic resources, and activities of daily living. While more than 50% of the elderly individuals with this symptom complex perceived a need for psychiatric services, a much smaller percentage actually received help.