• Anthony Harris.
• Specialty of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
• Intern Med J. 2023 Apr 1; 53 (4): 473480473-480.

AbstractSchizophrenia is the most common of a group of psychotic disorders that occur in approximately 3% of the population over the lifespan. It has clear genetic antecedents, which are shared across the spectrum of psychotic disorders; however, a range of other biological and social factors influence the onset and treatment of the disorder. Schizophrenia is diagnosed by a characteristic set of symptoms (positive, negative, disorganisation, cognitive and affective) accompanied by a functional decline. Investigations are used to exclude other organic causes of psychosis and to provide a baseline for the negative effects of pharmacological treatments. Treatment requires a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial interventions. Physical health is poor in this group of people and this is not helped by inconsistent care from health services. Although earlier intervention has improved the immediate outcomes, the longer-term outcome has not significantly shifted.© 2023 The Author. Internal Medicine Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

13 keywords...

hide…