Physical exercise and the patient with schizophrenia

Abstract

Background Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with profound effects on a person’s life. In addition to the psychiatric symptoms, patients with schizophrenia generally have multiple somatic comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The general practitioner (GP) is of key importance for the patient’s continuous care and holistic wellbeing. Objective The aim of this article is to emphasise the role of GPs in embracing physical exercise as add-on treatment to antipsychotic medications, and to illustrate the value of exercise for people with schizophrenia by summarising the effects on the psychiatric symptoms, neuroanatomical and neurochemical characteristics, and general physiological and psychological health. Discussion Physical exercise can lead to improvements in positive, negative and cognitive symptoms, as well as in somatic comorbidities, global functioning and quality of life. Physical exercise can be a valuable add-on intervention for people with schizophrenia. The GP is essential for prescribing and following up on exercise tailored for the individual.