Articles: chronic.
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Schizophrenia is a complicated chronic disease affecting approximately 3.5 million people in the United States, and its annual healthcare costs exceed $155 billion. People living with schizophrenia often experience a reduced quality of life (QOL) and are more likely to be homeless, unemployed, or living in poverty compared with the general population. Life expectancy for patients with schizophrenia is 15 to 20 years below the average and is complicated by numerous comorbidities, such as weight gain, increased cardiovascular risk, and changes in mood and cognition. ⋯ Managed care professionals are positioned to improve adherence and outcomes through various drug utilization strategies. Clinicians may also empower patients with schizophrenia through shared decision making and the creation of a therapeutic alliance. Careful monitoring of medication-related adverse effects and offering potential medication alternatives and routes of administration when indicated may also improve adherence to treatment regimens, resulting in improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
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This collection of 55-Word Stories is inspired by the resilient people experiencing chronic homelessness in downtown Salt Lake City and the dedicated team at Fourth Street Clinic in Utah. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder hallmarked by a variety of symptoms impacting mental state, emotions, and behaviors, including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, negative symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Schizophrenia leaves patients with the inability to function appropriately in their daily lives, including at work, in relationships, and even with self-care. ⋯ Schizophrenia is estimated to affect more than 21 million individuals globally, and while many therapies have become available for management, the disorder still presents unique challenges to providers, caregivers, and the healthcare system. Unmet medical needs remain for this complex disease state, and research is ongoing to address these needs and improve the overall health and outcomes of patients living with schizophrenia.
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Review
An update on current treatment strategies and emerging agents for the management of schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder that has a significant impact on the functioning and quality of life of individuals affected by the disease. It affects 0.6% to 1.9% of individuals within the United States, and currently there is no cure. ⋯ To address these concerns, new research evaluating investigational therapies has been undertaken to examine novel treatment strategies. This review summarizes the schizophrenia treatment guidelines, current treatment strategies, and emerging agents for the management of schizophrenia.
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Insomnia, whether short-term or chronic, is a common condition. It has a negative impact on vulnerable patient groups, including active military personnel and veterans, patients with coexisting psychiatric and medical disorders, those in life transitions such as menopause, and elderly persons. Although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) is first-line treatment for insomnia, its high cost and a lack of trained providers has prevented widespread uptake. ⋯ The first part of this article reviews the epidemiology and pathophysiology of insomnia with a focus on vulnerable patient groups. The second part explores the rapidly evolving landscape of nondrug therapy for insomnia. The underlying concepts and supporting evidence for CBTI and dCBTI are presented, including their utility in vulnerable patient groups.