METABOLIC, CARDIOVASCULAR AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL COMORBIDITIES IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

A chronic mental condition, schizophrenia can alter brain action resulting in dopamine breakdown, which can result in both positive and negative side effects, as well as changes to the white and grey matter and ventricular dilation. Schizophrenia is a disabling psychiatric condition impacting around 1% of people worldwide and ranking among the top 10 global disability causes. Schizophrenia is characterized by positive psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech, and disorganized or catatonic behaviour; negative symptoms such as reduced motivation and expressiveness; and cognitive impairments affecting executive function, memory, and mental processing speed. It may result in reduced working memory and attention within the individual. Comorbid conditions such obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease are more likely to occur. Furthermore, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants are utilized as treatments for schizophrenia. This article discusses schizophrenia, its comorbidities, and the variables that impact it.

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