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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 patients with schizophrenia increases the chances of incarceration.[Winklbaur et al., 2006] Integrated treatment models that account for psychotic symptoms and substance use have promise, but more research is needed to establish the optimal psychological and pharmacological therapies for this subgroup of patients.[Winklbaur et al., 2006]
References:
Winklbaur B, Ebner N, Sachs G, et al. Substance abuse in patients with schizophrenia. Dialogues Clin Neurosci 2006; 8 (1): 37–43.
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition (DSM-5™). © American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
Buckley PF, Miller BJ, Lehrer DS, Castle DJ. Psychiatric comorbidities and schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2009; 35 (2): 383–402.