Schizophrenia – Comorbidity

Schizophrenia, although Schizophrenia, although a disabling disorder in itself is associated with a host of comorbidities that further burden the patient.

Schizophrenia, although a disabling disorder in itself, is associated with a host of comorbidities that further burden the patient.^{[APA, 2013; Buckley et al., 2009; Tsai & Rosenheck, 2013]} These include psychiatric and somatic conditions.^{[Buckley et al., 2009; Tsai & Rose…}

The correction of the results for potentially confounding variables in this study was an important control step.^{[Crump et al., 2013]} The variables that were adjusted for included: age, marital status, education level, employment status, and income.^{[Crump et al., 2013]} Sep…

The diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia specify negative and cognitive symptoms.^{[APA, 2013, pgs. 99 & 101]} These include diminution in aspects of memory, executive functioning, and processing.^{[APA, 2013, pg. 101]} Although an aspect of schizophrenia, it is noted that the…

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterised by a period of at least two weeks during which an individual displays either low mood, or diminished interest or pleasure.^{[APA, 2013, pg. 163]} There is a collection of associated symptoms, some of which must also be present…

Bipolar disorder is a manic–depressive illness, whereby individuals experience periods of depression characterised by low mood, and mania characterised by elevated, expansive, or irritable mood.^{[APA, 2013, pg. 124]} Bipolar disorder must be distinguished from schizophrenia…

The patient survey described on slide recruited 15 patients with a psychotic disorder, 8 of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia.^{[Faulkner et al., 2017]} Semi-structured interviews were conducted, lasting between 30 and 110 minutes, focussing on the patient’s experiences…

Fear is a normal response to certain stimuli; it is an emotional response to either a real or a perceived imminent threat; anxiety is simply the anticipation of that future threat.^{[APA, 2013, pg. 189]} The anxiety experienced within an anxiety disorder is more persistent t…

Panic disorder refers to a condition whereby an individual suffers from unexpected attacks of panic symptoms, including: palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, choking feelings, chest pain or discomfort, nausea, dizziness, chills, numbness or tingling, de…

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with reduced quality of life, and functional impairments.^{[APA, 2013, pg. 240]} It is defined as:^{[APA, 2013, pg. 237]}

• obsession; recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images, that are experienced as unwanted or intr…

Substance-use disorders are a group of cognitive, behavioural, and physiological symptoms indicating that the individual continues to use a substance despite problems related to the use of that substance.^{[APA, 2013, pg. 483]} Substances can include alcohol, cannabis, hallu…

Although smoking may alleviate some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, cigarette smoking is a modifiable risk factor for a whole host of physical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, and cancer.^{[APA, 2013, pg. 574; De Hert et al., 2011]}

References:
American Psych…

Cannabis-use disorder is characterised by a patient exhibiting a problematic pattern of cannabis use that leads to clinically significant impairment, or to distress.^{[APA, 2013]} Cannabis use is often reported to be a form of self-medication, in order to cope with mood diso…

Comorbid substance use represents a barrier to carrying out effective treatment for schizophrenia, and is associated with its own set of health problems.^{[Winklbaur et al., 2006]} As well as reducing the likelihood of good treatment outcomes, comorbid substance use in patie…