Evaluation of the Salivary Flow in Patients with Schizophrenia. A Literature Review

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disease that affects approximately 1% of the global population. Schizophrenia is characterised by positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. The etiological factors of this psychiatric illness are not fully deciphered, but the most incriminated are genetic factors and environmental risk factors. The treatment of schizophrenia has the role of reduction the duration and intensity of episodes and consists in the administration of typical or atypical antipsychotic drugs, antiparkinsonian, anxiolytic, sedatives or antidepressants. Of these, some of the drugs may have side effects that modify patients' salivary flow rates. Xerostomy is a subjective sign characterized by a dry mouth sensation and is caused by hypofunction of the salivary glands. According to a series of studies, xerostomia can be an adverse effect of typical antipsychotic medication as well as antiparkinsonian medication. Sialorrhea is caused by hyperfunction of the salivary glands and is characterized by an increased secretion of saliva. This side effect is especially noticeable during the night sleep. Alteration of salivary function creates increased discomfort to the schizophrenic patient, which causes him to give up regular medication. The aim of this study is to review the literature on the link between schizophrenia, the treatment of schizophrenia and impaired salivary function.