Factors related to abuse of older persons by relatives with psychiatric disorders.

Introduction: Across developed nations, elder abusers have been found to disproportionately have indicators of psychiatric disorders (PD); however, elder abuse by persons with PD has received almost no research attention. The present analysis examines the association of perpetrator, victim, and interaction factors with the occurrence of physical, financial, and psychological abuse of older persons, committed by relatives with PD.

Methods: Data are from a U.S. community recruited survey of 243 persons 55 years of age and older who report having an adult relative with PD. Multivariate logistic regression was performed examining the association of proposed factors with the occurrence of physical, financial, and psychological abuse.

Results: In the past 6 months, 15%, 20%, and 42% of respondents reported experiencing physical, financial, and psychological abuse by relatives with PD, respectively. All forms of abuse co-occur at statistically significant levels. There is variation among factors associated with physical, financial, and psychological abuse; however, all types are associated with greater use of limit-setting practices and either regular attendance of mental health treatment or use of medications.

Conclusions: Efforts to prevent abuse of older persons may benefit from linking suspected/substantiated elder abusers with PD to mental health treatment. Older persons engaging in high levels of limit-setting practices towards relatives with PD may benefit from being offered support and guidance regarding how to set limits in ways less likely to escalate conflict.