SCHIZOPHRENIA AND NETWORKED CARE: DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC CHALLENGES AND THE ROLE OF THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM IN URGENT AND EMERGENCY CARE SERVICES

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with a predominantly chronic course and multifactorial etiology, characterized by positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms that substantially impair the functioning and quality of life of affected individuals. Although advances in neuroscience have broadened our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms involved, diagnosis remains primarily clinical, and treatment continues to require an individualized and sustained approach. This study aims to analyze, in light of the contemporary scientific literature, the main historical, epidemiological, etiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of schizophrenia, with particular emphasis on the management of patients experiencing a psychotic crisis in urgent and emergency care services, as well as the role played by the multidisciplinary team in this setting. This is a narrative and integrative literature review based on publications indexed in national and international databases, with priority given to studies published in recent years. The findings show that effective care for individuals with schizophrenia depends on a coordinated care network in which physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and other professionals work in an integrated and complementary manner. However, these teams are often institutionally undervalued, whether because of precarious working conditions or fragmented care pathways, thereby compromising comprehensive care. It is concluded that addressing schizophrenia, particularly in urgent care settings, requires investment in continuing education, the strengthening of multidisciplinary teams, and efforts to overcome the historical stigma that still surrounds this condition, thereby ensuring care that is more humane, effective, and socially relevant.