Health InformationSchizophrenia
Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: The Importance of Identification and Treatment
Schizophrenia is among the top 10 disabling conditions worldwide for young adults, and the cost of treatment and loss in productivity associated with schizophrenia are estimated to be as high as $60 billion annually. Negative symptoms, including problems with motivation, social withdrawal, diminished affective responsiveness, speech, and movement, contribute more to poor functional outcomes and quality of life for persons with schizophrenia than do positive symptoms. This article reviews the assessment and treatment options available for these negative symptoms.
Adolescent Psychosis
Adolescents who present with symptoms that suggest a psychotic disorder pose a number of diagnostic and treatment challenges. This article attempts to provide a practical guide to the assessment and management of adolescents with severe psychotic illness, including schizophrenia, schizophrenia-like disorders, and bipolar disorder. Epidemiology, differential diagnosis, causes, and predisposing factors will also be covered in the context of a comprehensive framework for assessment and management.
Medications and Quality of Life With Schizophrenia
The expression "quality of life" is an intuitively familiar and popular concept, and it epitomizes the public's hopes and expectations. In clinical settings, it demands the inclusion of patients' feelings, attitudes, and opinions in medical decision making. In this article, popular medications’ for the treatment of schizophrenia are reviewed, and their risks and benefits are weighed.
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