Integrated management of patients with schizophrenia: beyond psychotropic drugs

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia is a complex disease with severe functional repercussions; therefore it merits treatment which goes beyond drugs. THEME DEVELOPMENT: It requires an approach that considers a diathesis-stress process that includes rehabilitation, psychotherapeutic strategies for persistent cognitive, negative and psychotic symptoms, psychoeducation of patient and communities, community adaptation strategies, such as the introduction to the work force, and the community model, such as a change in the asylum paradigm. DISCUSSION: It is necessary to establish private and public initiatives for the integrated care of schizophrenia in the country, advocating the well-being of those with the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The integrated management of schizophrenic patients requires a global view of the patient and his/her disease, and its development is essential.