Citation

Seeman MV. Clin. Schizophr. Relat. Psychoses 2009; 3(3): 161-167.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Walsh Medical Media)

DOI

10.3371/CSRP.3.3.5

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: As more becomes known about the complex causation of schizophrenia, the variability of treatment response, and the effectiveness of preventive measures, treatments are likely to change.

METHODS: A standard regimen from a review article written in 1979 is examined and compared to currently recommended practice, thirty years later.

RESULTS: Over this period, there have been many small changes and some very significant improvements: attitudes toward families of patients have altered; patient autonomy has increased; early intervention, assertive community treatment teams, psychoeducation, and cognitive behavioral therapy have all been introduced in the last thirty years. Recovery (defined variously, but with a focus on counteracting disability and enhancing self-determination in the face of stigma), rather than symptom reduction, has become the main aim of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite many changes, the overall health of patients with schizophrenia is poor and mortality rates are excessive. Improvement in the treatment of schizophrenia over the last thirty years is insufficient.

Language: en

Keywords

United States; Canada; disability; human; standard; History; suicide; Mortality; Morbidity; professional practice; family; Schizophrenia; schizophrenia; psychosis; mortality; stigma; clozapine; Antipsychotics; homelessness; unemployment; psychoeducation; early intervention; substance abuse; motivation; neuroleptic agent; length of stay; imipramine; psychiatric department; behavior therapy; cognitive therapy; note; self concept; libido; coping behavior; gastrointestinal symptom; nonhuman; health status; drug safety; mental patient; patient attitude; dopamine receptor; drug efficacy; drug receptor binding; tardive dyskinesia; tremor; agranulocytosis; restlessness; chlorpromazine; side effect; symptom; apathy; maintenance therapy; photosensitivity; low drug dose; group therapy; Management; convalescence; psychosocial withdrawal; dizziness; muscle stiffness; treatment response; nose congestion; blurred vision; patient autonomy; adverse outcome; receptor occupancy; orthostatic hypertension; catalepsy; bladder dysfunction; sunburn; parasympathetic function; pseudoparkinsonism