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.