SCHIZOPHRENIA PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT

Introduction: Schizophrenia is considered a complex, chronic mental health disorder featured by a range of signs and symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior, and impaired cognitive ability. The onset of the disease, with its chronic course, make it a very disabling disorder for many patients and families. Disability usually are due to negative symptom known by loss or deficits as well as cognitive symptoms, like impairments in attention, working memory, or executive function. Additionally, relapse could result early due to the fact that positive symptoms, like suspiciousness, delusions, and hallucinations. The inherent heterogeneity of schizophrenia led to a lack of evidence concerning the disorder’s diagnostic criteria, causes, and pathophysiology. Aim of work: In this review, we will discuss schizophrenia presentation and management Methodology: We did a systematic search for schizophrenia presentation and management using PubMed search engine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Google Scholar search engine (https://scholar.google.com). All relevant studies were retrieved and discussed. We only included full articles. Conclusions: Schizophrenia is considered a very complicated and complex clinical condition and mental health problem that needs proper management plan at the first signs of a psychotic episode. The prevalence of schizophrenia is proposed to be between less than one percent to two percent in the United States. Irregularities in neurotransmission have been the main focus for theories on the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. A diagnosis of schizophrenia is made by an evaluation of patient-specific signs and symptoms. Doctors should consider the potential for nonadherence and treatment related adverse effects when developing a comprehensive treatment plan. Though patients can increase adaptive functioning by the available pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment options, future research is needed, and it should aim at decreasing the gaps in treatment and potentially a cure for schizophrenia. Key words: schizophrenia, presentation, management