Prevalence of Common Mental Disorders in Medical Students and Its Association With Quality of Life

Abstract

BACKGROUNDSchizophrenia is a complex mental illness characterized by cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes associated with marked social dysfunction. 1 Because of its chronic course and poor long-term outcomes with higher rates of medical illness and mortality, primary care providers have a crucial role in managing patients with this disorder. 2 The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate the importance of primary health care in the rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia. MATERIALS AND METHODSInterview with patient, bibliographical review and revision of medical records. CASE REPORT CONCLUSIONSchizophrenia is a highly disabling disease, commonly associated with impairments in social and occupational functioning. Most patients continue to have difficulties with social adaptation even after benefiting from antipsychotics. Family-based interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social skills training should be associated with antipsychotic medication to improve social skills. Primary care providers have the potential to reduce health disparities in this patients, accompanying in the training of routines, improving insight and establishing interpersonal relationships, allowing rehabilitation and preventing social stigmatization.