Schizophrenia

Description

Schizophrenia, a serious mental illness, affects 1% of the global population and is marked by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized behavior, and negative signs and symptoms such as reduced emotional expression, avolition, and cognitive impairment. Symptoms generally emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, and the disorder may be more common in men. Causes include genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. No single gene is responsible; there is an interplay of multiple genetic factors. Environmental influences include prenatal and obstetrical risks, psychosocial stressors, and cannabis use. Neurobiologically, schizophrenia is associated with neurotransmitter dysfunction in dopamine and glutamate systems, as well as brain structural changes. Individualized comprehensive management plans, including antipsychotic medications for positive symptoms and evidence-based psychosocial interventions, are essential for improving patient quality of life. This activity describes the epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation, and management of schizophrenia, providing healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools to improve patient care for this complex and disabling condition.

Objectives

Presenters

1. Dr. Thomas Muvonde
   Consultant Psychiatrist
   Defence Forces Memorial Hospital