New developments in schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
Over 2% of the population suffer from schizophrenia and related psychoses. Virtually all sufferers now live in the community, and go to see their general practitioners.


OBJECTIVE
To overview recent developments in the presentation and causes of schizophrenia and its treatment with medication and psychosocial intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
The diagnostic boundaries of schizophrenia have become less distinct as aetiological and therapeutic similarities between schizoaffective and affective psychoses have emerged. The importance of specific symptom groups (positive, negative, cognitive, manic, depressed) with respect to brain mechanisms and response to treatment has been recognised. It is now thought that recognition of early phase illness and vigorous treatment aimed at relapse prevention may improve long term prognosis. Availability of new medications has improved outcomes. Patients with schizophrenia living in the community need a range of services best delivered through collaborative care between GPs, community and specialist services.
Keks
N
N
Monash University, Victoria. N.Keks@alfred.org.au
Mazumdar
P
P
Shields
R
R
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents