Schizophrenia is the most common of the psychotic illnesses, affecting approximately 1% of the UK population at some point in their lives. Contrary to popular misunderstanding about the condition, although it is a serious and distressing illness, most people with schizophrenia are able to live in the community, managing their symptoms in close cooperation with their GP and primary care team.
Evidence shows that the earlier schizophrenia is diagnosed and treated, the better the long-term prognosis. This book will help primary care providers to understand and identify the symptoms of schizophrenia, to provide evidence-based, appropriate management, and to respond to the needs of patients and their families for up-to-date information. Written in the popular Q&A format of the series, answers are presented in a succinct, accessible style, and include case vignettes to illustrate typical presentations. There are also some frequently-asked patient questions in non-medical language, and a list of sources of further information and support.