Schizophrenia: conceptual change in modern psychiatry

Schizophrenia is perhaps the most devastating mental illness that psychiatrists must treat. Its chronic course with deteriorating consequences has been the focus of study throughout this century. This paper reviews the concept of schizophrenia, from fundamental Kraepelinian theory of 'dementia praecox' to biological correlates and explanation. Its causes, however, remain obscure and there were no appreciable changes in its treatment modality. A 'bio-psycho-social' model of care is emphasized, aiming at the prevention of deterioration of symptoms, functional impairment, disability and social handicap.