Comparison of Patients With Early-, Typical-, and Late-Onset Affective Psychosis

The clinical characteristics & family history of patients with early-onset (before age 18), typical-onset (20-25 years) & late-onset (after age 35) affective psychosis at the time of first hospitalization were compared in 88 consecutively hospitalized patients. Affective symptoms differed significantly among groups: specifically, early-onset patients had more energy, minimal sleep disruption & greater suicidality. (10 refs.)