[Patients with paranoid schizophrenia continuing into old age].

On the basis of a study of 67 elderly patients it was established that the majority of them (38 patients or 56.7%), despite the existence of productive disorders demonstrated a high level of social adaptation. They did not require hospitalization, their mental condition remained stable, even in long-term absence of psychopharmacological treatment. The conclusion is made that in paranoid schizophrenia in old age (as well as in other forms of schizophrenia) there is a reduction in the progressivenses of the morbid process and a tendency towards a stabilization of clinical signs. The adaptation of such patients is promoted by the existence of a family and favourable relations with relatives.