Schizophrenia/Psychosis

For too long the treatment needs of the seriously mentally ill have been ignored by SAMSHA, and this needs to change, says this psychiatrist.

Both the literature and clinical experience point to considerable risk in discontinuing antipsychotic treatment, for many chronically psychotic patients. Here's why.

Editors' choices of noteworthy psychiatry stories from around the Web: genetics of schizophrenia, Alzheimer disease, the perils of mixing prescription and over-the-counter medications, new guidelines for treating pain with opioids, and other topics.

Reasons for the overall low rate of clozapine use brings to light questionable decisions on the part of policymakers

For a change, here is some very good news coming from several fronts. "It’s almost like science fiction, but it’s real."

The identification of a genetic risk factor has shed light on the underlying neurobiology of the disorder.

Groundbreaking work by a Harvard team represents a bold step in our journey toward understanding schizophrenia.

A simple handshake is no longer a formal gesture to symbolize parting ways. It has become that moment, with a patient, when we both agree to embark on a journey together.

Setting the record straight on what the literature does and does not say about long-term use of antipsychotics.

Brain-based biomarkers identify more biologically homogeneous categories of psychosis than do clinical diagnoses.

Are you up-to-date on the risk of recurrent pneumonia in patients with schizophrenia when an antipsychotic is reintroduced?

Editors' picks, including the biggest story of the year thus far and others of interest to psychiatrists and the public.

New evidence-coupled with advances in molecular biology-has afforded an unparalleled opportunity to move toward identifying potential new treatments for schizophrenia.

A report of initiatives that have raised awareness of and promoted data sharing and data transparency in order to advance science and improve public health and health care.

Neuroinflammation may be a culprit in the development of psychosis. What are the clinical implications?

How targeted interventions may reduce the burden of premature mortality among patients with schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders.

How do the 3 FDA-approved dopamine receptor partial agonists for the treatment of MDD and other psychiatric disorders stack up against each other?

The first episode of psychosis represents a critical juncture in the treatment of schizophrenia. Here: A synopsis of 2-year outcomes from the NIMH Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) Early Treatment Program.

Information about the performance of clozapine compared with other treatment strategies in usual practice may impact on its use in routine clinical settings. Here: findings from US national Medicaid data in a cohort of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Can mobile technologies advance care for schizophrenia? The research literature strongly supports feasibility, although clinical data on validity, safety, and efficacy are still lacking.

Jails have a much higher percentage of homeless mentally ill than does the general community, and those with psychiatric disorders (eg, schizophrenia) must often fend for themselves. Here are some solutions.

It is important to recognize and document the abilities and deficits of a patient in order to determine capacity.

Acute intoxication is the most likely culprit for an increased risk of violence or agitation, but personality, psychosis, and cognitive problems can all play a role. A skilled clinician can glean a great deal of information in a short period of time.

The glutamate model of schizophrenia proposes that dysfunction will involve which brain regions?

Results from a major study provide evidence that coordinated specialty care can improve outcomes for first episode psychosis. Dr Insel writes about the RAISE project and other recent studies of coordinated care.

The Medici effect is upon us in biomedicine, and it’s called convergence science.

The abuse of alcohol by patients with schizophrenia is a remarkably common phenomenon. Here: findings from a 6-month randomized trial of long-acting injectable versus oral risperidone in patients with schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol use disorder.

Deficits in emotion recognition among at-risk patients may predict eventual transition to schizophrenia.

In psychosis, the mind disposes of or deflects certain (real) information. Is that so different from a “nonpsychotic” mind?

What percentage of patients hospitalized for a first episode of schizophrenia who had threatened others had displayed overt signs of illness for over a year?