Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder characterized by psychotic symptoms that significantly impair functioning and that involve disturbances in feeling, thinking, and behavior. The etiology is unknown.

Diagnosis: linical; DSM-IV Criteria

Treatment

Non-drug treatment:

• Supportive psychotherapy and psycho-educational group therapy for patients and family members

Drug Treatment:

EMERGENCY PHASE

First line

Chlorpromazine hydrochloride, 25 mg, i.m. and raise to 200 mg daily for acute attacks

(For S/E, C/I and Dosage forms, see page 131)