title: [Schizophrenia--a life shortening disease].
abstract: The life expectancy of schizophrenic patients is shortened by about 20%. This alarming finding is mainly caused by an increased rate of the metabolic syndrome which is inherent in schizophrenic patients and is increased by the use of antipsychotic drugs, mainly second generation drugs. Another reason is a high rate of suicide and violent death. There is a controversy about the relationship of malignant disease and schizophrenia. Problems in the health behavior of patients should also be considered, mainly lack of exercise, high smoking rate, inappropriate diet and overweight. Psychiatrists and family physicians tend to be passive in dealing with this problem. This article proposes activism of the medical profession aimed at improving health behavior, early detection of physical problems and increased awareness of the medical profession, patients and their families.
authors.forename: Hanan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Munitz
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents