Schizophrenia and related disorders: clinical practice guideline and associated resources

Clinical practice guideline for the management of schizophrenia and related disorders (2016) [PDF; 2.2MB] Guidance addressing all aspects of the care of people with schizophrenia and related disorders. Includes correct diagnosis, symptom relief and recovery of social function.

Key practice points

The guidelines advise a clinical staging approach and deliver specific recommendations for:

• comprehensive treatment using second generation antipsychotic agents continuously for 2-5 years
• early treatment of comorbid substance use
• community treatment after initial contact, during crises and after discharge from hospital
• physical health monitoring and management of comorbidities, particularly metabolic health
• interventions to optimise recovery of social function
• management of schizophrenia in specific populations and circumstances.

Associated resources

Early psychosis resources

• Australian Clinical Guidelines for Early Psychosis, 2nd Ed. updated (2016) [PDF; 1.09 MB]
• Clinical Guidelines for Early Psychosis - a summary for practitioners (2010) [PDF; 740 KB]
• Algorithm: Pharmacological Treatment for First Episode Non-affective Psychosis (2014) [PDF; 64 KB]

Community resources

• Information for the public on schizophrenia

RANZCP webinars

The following webinars provide information about the guideline and are accredited for CPD under section 4.6. [RANZCP member log-in required].

• Side-effects of antipsychotic medications
• First episode psychosis
• Electroconvulsive therapy
• Psychosis in the perinatal period