Medical problems in schizophrenia patients living in the community (alternative facilities).

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In recent years, interest in physical illnesses among patients with schizophrenia has increased. A great majority of schizophrenia patients live in the community and in alternative facilities. This review aims to report studies on medical problems in patients living in the community.

RECENT FINDINGS: Few relevant studies could be found. During the deinstitutionalization process, medical comorbidity seems to be increased in patients living in the community and in alternative facilities. According to the reviewed studies, in which men have been overrepresented, a great majority of patients with schizophrenia living in the community suffer from physical illnesses and functional restrictions caused by them. Of individual medical problems, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and lung diseases are the most prevalent. In many cases, however, medical problems in schizophrenia patients have remained undetected.

SUMMARY: Medical problems are prevalent in patients with schizophrenia living in the community and in alternative facilities, and they require greater attention from both psychiatric and medial health personnel. Preventive measures for improving the patient's health behaviour and paying attention to metabolic adverse effects of neuroleptis are needed, as are more studies.