8 - Case studies of the treatment of schizophrenia patients

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects how a person reacts with the surrounding world. Patients with schizophrenia have a lower quality of life. The long-term cost for supporting patients with schizophrenia is far greater than that of many other mental disorders. The cost of supporting schizophrenia patients is about 1%–3% of the national health care cost in most of the developed nations. This cost is almost up to 20% of the direct expenses of all types of mental health cost. Case studies are detailed qualitative investigation where a single or few participants are investigated. Case studies can explain social phenomena, that is, events happening in the society that relate to everyday living problem. Data in case studies can be gathered by documentation, interview, archival records, direct observation, participant observation, and physical artifact. Interview is a well-established technique for data collection in case study. There are various case studies on managing different symptoms and quality of life associated with schizophrenia patients. In the current study, the eligibility criteria for the selection of case studies are their effectiveness in addressing issues related to the management of schizophrenia. This chapter reviews prior case studies of the management of schizophrenia and explains why case studies are important for understanding and treating schizophrenia.