Psychotic disorders are among the world’s leading causes of disability, with a prevalence of more than 1 percent, and schizophrenia can be considered the most severe and disabling mental disorder because of its major impact on the personal and social sphere, but also on health care costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that there are approximately 24 million people worldwide who suffer from schizophrenia at any level. The age of onset has gradually decreased over the years, from late adolescence and young adulthood to early adolescence in many cases. The course is almost always chronic with a variable pattern between Glare-ups and phases of partial remission. Several consequences complicate the picture: the delayed and inadequate clinical response, the functional disability of the patient, the stigma that affects those with it, and the immense difficulties for the family. Recently, research has particularly focused on this phase to identify prevention and early intervention strategies that can contribute to the improvement of the clinical course and quality of life of the patient and family members
The Prodromal States of Psychosis and their Evaluation
Melania Rita Difino;Nicoletta Trotta;Adriana Leccese;Pierpaolo Limone;Annamaria Petito
2023-01-01
Abstract
Psychotic disorders are among the world’s leading causes of disability, with a prevalence of more than 1 percent, and schizophrenia can be considered the most severe and disabling mental disorder because of its major impact on the personal and social sphere, but also on health care costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that there are approximately 24 million people worldwide who suffer from schizophrenia at any level. The age of onset has gradually decreased over the years, from late adolescence and young adulthood to early adolescence in many cases. The course is almost always chronic with a variable pattern between Glare-ups and phases of partial remission. Several consequences complicate the picture: the delayed and inadequate clinical response, the functional disability of the patient, the stigma that affects those with it, and the immense difficulties for the family. Recently, research has particularly focused on this phase to identify prevention and early intervention strategies that can contribute to the improvement of the clinical course and quality of life of the patient and family membersI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
