[The general practitioner in relation to social psychiatric concepts of schizophrenia treatment]

Abstract

In the last 30 years the traditional concept of schizophrenia has changed basically because of epidemiological investigations and studies on expressed emotion and on life-events. The concept of vulnerability in schizophrenia distinguishes stress and protection factors. As a consequence to social psychiatry, psychiatric clinics got smaller, and new outpatient facilities were created. In the treatment of schizophrenic patients, the general practitioner has an important role. Some practical concepts of therapy are discussed.