Management of schizophrenia

Abstract

• Treatment advances allow most people with schizophrenia to live and function in the community. • Most GPs see about four to five such patients, as schizophrenia and related psychoses affect up to 5% of the population. • Antipsychotic medication is the cornerstone of treatment, which is needed lifelong for most patients with established schizophrenia. • Many patients with schzophrenia require intensive psychosocial interventions, including case management, vocational rehabilitation and housing, so GPs need to work collaboratively with spacialist services. • GPs are in an ideal situation for early detection of prodromal psychosis. They can also monitor mental and physical state of the patient, side effects and/or adherence to medication, and provide physical care.