Introduction The recent edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) defines schizophrenia based on the presence of at least two of the five core symptoms for six months. 1 These five core symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, catatonic behavior , and other negative symptoms. Schizophrenia is amongst the top 20 causes of disability worldwide, with a lifetime prevalence of 0.7%. The general population has a two to four-fold mortality due to schizophrenia compared to other psychological disorders.
Thus, the ultimate goal of this guideline is to improve schizophrenia-care for patients and lower mortality, morbidity, and major psychosocial and health effects associated with the condition. The recent guidelines were based on the following aspects: 1. Assessment and determination of…
