[New national guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia in Sweden].

Schizophrenia affects about 0.7 % of the population and is characterized by hallucinations, delusions and reduced functioning affecting the ability to study, work and socialize. Life expectancy for patients with schizophrenia is approximately 15-20 years shorter mostly due to cardiovascular disease. Stigmatization is  common despite the fact that it is a treatable disorder with a combination of medication and psychosocial interventions. Case management, psycho-education and supported employment are proven strategies, but less than half of individuals with schizophrenia are adequately treated. The National Board of Health and Welfare is currently launching updated National Guidelines (2018). The aim is to provide an overview of evidence-based interventions enabling patients with schizophrenia to live a fairly normal life. An evaluation has revealed that previous guidelines for antipsychotic medications have been satisfactorily implemented, but not those for psychosocial interventions. These will now be emphasized as »central recommendations« and will be followed up with specific indicators based on data from national registers.