Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia onset is usually in early adulthood and may be preceded by years of ill-differentiated symptoms, from behavioural changes and delusions to frank psychosis. Initially, patients are usually referred by family members. As the illness progresses, patients tend to self-refer or are brought in by a case manager or law enforcement officer. Antipsychotic therapy and psychosocial interventions are effective for most patients, but to varying degrees. Adrian Preda, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, tells us more about the condition. For more on schizophrenia, visit BMJ Best Practice: bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/406 - The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.