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 schizophrenia. There are various possible causes of anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia, including reactions to adverse life-events, or substance induced or medication induced anxiety. There is also evidence to suggest that anxiety, together with depressive symptoms, may be a core part of the illness, occurring together with psychotic symptoms in the acute phase. Epidemiological studies indicate a higher than expected incidence of co-morbid anxiety syndromes in schizophrenia, suggesting the possibility of common underlying pathogenetic mechanisms. Anxiety symptoms and syndromes appear to be responsive to both psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic intervention.