Medicus, Vol. 32 No. 1. Psihoze, 2023.
Review article
Connection Between Psychological and Somatic Symptoms in Schizophrenia – Early Intervention
Igor Filipčić
Ivona Šimunović Filipčić
Petra Folnegović Grošić
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that is increasingly understood as a systemic disorder. In addition to mental suffering, individuals with schizophrenia face an increased risk of chronic physical illnesses and multimorbidity. The expected lifespan of men with schizophrenia is shorter by up to 20 years, and for women by up to 15 years compared to the general population. The mortality rate difference between these two groups continues to grow. The unacceptably high mortality of those with schizophrenia points to discrimination against these individuals, while deaths in those affected are caused by chronic physical diseases and infectious diseases, with the largest proportion being due to cardiovascular diseases and obesity-related malignancies. Although the connection between schizophrenia and physical illnesses has been recognized for over a century, the physical health of these patients is often overlooked in practice. To reduce the mortality and disability rate, more attention needs to be given to the prevention and early diagnosis of physical diseases in individuals with schizophrenia. It is crucial to provide fast and effective physical care from the onset of the first psychotic symptoms. An integrated approach and collaboration among all healthcare providers should become the standard in clinical practice.
Keywords
schizophrenia; physical health; chronic physical illness; multimorbidity
Hrčak ID:
308612
URI
Publication date:
9.10.2023.
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