Anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia: the need for heightened clinician awareness

Anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia have received little attention, in spite of the fact that they are common, and of considerable clinical significance . This article reviews the literature investigating anxiety and schizophren ia. There are various possible causes of anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia, including reactions to adverse life-events, or substance induced or medica tion induced anxiety. There is also evidence to suggest that anxiety, toget her with depressive symptoms, may be a core part of the illess, occurring t ogether with psychotic symptoms in the acute phase. Epidemiological studies indicate a higher than expected incidence of co-morbid anxiety syndromes i n schizophrenia, suggesting the possibility of common underlying pathogenet ic mechanisms. Anxiety symptoms and syndromes appear to be responsive to bo th psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic intervention.