Study Finds Gaps in Care for Adults with Schizophrenia Disorders

New research finds that adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders have high rates of comorbid mental and only 26% received minimally adequate treatment. Meeting the needs of people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders will require innovative interventions and implementation to improve access to and use of evidence-based approaches, the authors argue. The research was published in Psychiatric Services. The researchers, led by Natalie Bareis, Ph.D., from Columbia University, analyzed data on 4,764 U.S. adults collected between 2020 and 2022 to examine the challenges faced by those with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Among 114 individuals with these disorders, common comorbidities included major depressive episodes (52%), alcohol use (23%), and PTSD (17%). The study highlights the need for improved access to evidence-based treatments, such as antipsychotics, employment support, and coordinated care, as current approaches are failing to meet their needs. Source: Oman News Agency