The RANZCP has released new clinical practice guidelines for the management of schizophrenia
The RANZCP has released new clinical practice guidelines for the management of schizophrenia and related disorders
Incorporating ten years of scientific advancements, the Schizophrenia Clinical Practice Guidelines emphasise early intervention, physical health, psychosocial treatments, cultural considerations and improving vocational outcomes, according to the college.
“The guideline takes a holistic approach to treatment and management,” said working group chair Professor Cherrie Galletly.
“[It addresses] all aspects of the care; not only correct diagnosis and symptom relief, but also optimal recovery of social function.”
The updated guideline was announced during last month’s National Schizophrenia Week and published in the May edition of Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.
It is intended mainly for psychiatrists, but may also be useful to GPs and other health professionals working with people with schizophrenia as well as policy-makers, the college says.
A range of disorders across the schizophrenia spectrum are addressed in the guideline, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizotypal disorder, schizophreniform disorder and acute transient psychotic disorder with symptoms of schizophrenia.
‘The guideline includes the management of ultra-high risk syndromes, first-episode psychoses and prolonged psychoses, including psychoses associated with substance use,” Professor Galletly said.
The therapeutic relationship is emphasised throughout the clinical staging model in the new guideline.
“We hope these guidelines will contribute to better outcomes by enabling greater understanding and appreciation by clinicians and consumers of these complex conditions, and the potential for recovery,” college president Professor Malcolm Hopwood said.
