Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness with a prevalence of approximately 1%. It confers significant morbidity and disability and is characterized by the presence of psychotic symptoms. Schizophrenia is caused by the additive and interactive effects of genetic and non-genetic factors. Several genes have been identified that affect brain development, plasticity and function, which may increase vulnerability to environmental stressors such as social adversity and illicit drug abuse. Antipsychotic medication is the mainstay of pharmacological treatment. Currently available antipsychotic drugs modify neurotransmission primarily in dopaminergic pathways. The long-term effectiveness of antipsychotics is limited by a combination of inadequate efficacy and poor tolerability. Psychological treatments are also available and should be considered alongside pharmacological interventions.