Schizophrenia and Medical Co-disability

One disability too often incurs another. In the case of schizophrenia, severe psychotic symptoms result in high doses of antipsychotic medication that can lead to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, which reduce life expectancy. They can also lead to high prolactin levels, which have negative consequences of their own. Many disabilities associated with schizophrenia are not, however, connected to treatment. The cognitive deficits inherent in schizophrenia may be responsible. Or the added disabilities may result from poverty, homelessness, poor nutrition, and a long experience of social stigma. Many disabilities are brought about by the sedentary, lonely life that frequently accompanies schizophrenia. Some forms of comorbidity arise from shared susceptibility genes. The important take away point is that co-disabilities can, in many cases, be prevented. Patients and family members need to be vigilant, healthcare providers must not allow their patients’ psychological distress to overshadow and under-investigate their physical complaints, and health systems need to better integrate mental and physical care.