Visit this section
Healthcare professionals
Healthcare professionals

Public

Chapter 2

Facing dual challenge

This chapter highlights the key clinical aspects of schizophrenia and substance use disorders, with a focus on their co-occurrence and the challenges they present, and the importance of integrated therapies that address both illnesses.

Download the chapter

Fast Facts

Early onset: People with schizophrenia 43 and a history of substance use are in the attention of psychiatric services earlier than those without such a history.

Dual challenge: When schizophrenia and substance use disorder coexist, they create a more challenging clinical picture and lead to poorer outcomes than either condition alone.

Many people with schizophrenia underreport their substance use, often out of fear of judgment or blame. Recognizing substance use disorder as a mental health condition, not a choice, is key to providing better support and care.

Integrated treatment: Effective care for dual schizophrenia must address both schizophrenia symptoms and symptoms related to substance use disorder to improve recovery and long-term outcomes.

Subchapter 1.

The vicious circle, in which schizophrenia and substance use disorders exacerbate each other

Subchapter 2.

Early substance use in high-risk adolescents

Subchapter 3.

Dual schizophrenia impacts overall health

Subchapter 4.

Does substance use impact the effectiveness of schizophrenia treatment?
You are now leaving the site and will be re-directed to an external website.
Accept
Cancel
Showing 0 result(s).