Worldwide, schizophrenia is one of the top 20 causes of disability. The lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia is estimated to be approximately 0.7%, although findings vary depending on the study location, demographic characteristics of the sample, the approach adopted for case finding, the method employed for diagnostic confirmation, and the diagnostic criteria used. Economic burdens associated with schizophrenia are high, with an estimated cost of more than $150 billion annually in the United States on the basis of 2013 data. Additional research since the second edition of the guideline has expanded our knowledge of the effective and evidence-based interventions available to help reduce the mortality, morbidity, and significant psychosocial and health consequences of this important psychiatric condition.
The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Schizophrenia seeks to reduce these substantial psychosocial and public health consequences for the individuals affected by schizophrenia. The guideline focuses specifically on evidence-based pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for schizophrenia and includes statements related to assessment and treatment planning, which are an integral part of patient-centered care. The guideline provides direction on implementing these recommendations into clinical practice, with the goal of improving the quality of care and treatment outcomes for patients with schizophrenia.
APA's practice guidelines focus on a set of discrete clinical questions of relevance to an overarching subject area. A systematic review of evidence is conducted to address these clinical questions and involves a detailed assessment of individual studies.
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CME courses on the APA Education Online Website target clinical application of guideline recommendations. Earn between 5 and 8 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ per course.
To find out more about mental health related issues and topics, please visit the American Psychiatric Association.
APA guidelines describe treatment of adult patients. For the treatment of children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders, practice parameters are available from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
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