Community care of patients with schizophrenia: the role of the primary health care team.

Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic mental disorder that usually begins in early adulthood. Recurrent relapse leading to long-term psychological and social disability means that patients may require intensive community support. Despite a recent fall in the overall numbers of patients consulting their general practitioner with mental disorders, presentations by those suffering from severe mental disorders have risen. This review encompasses the role of general practitioner in the management of schizophrenia, considering in turn drug and psychological therapies, family interventions, innovations in care, the effects of community care developments, and the liasion between primary health care and mental health professionals. There is a need for further research in the area of family-practice-based interventions involving general practitioners and the practice team.