Highlights From Janssen Neuroscience At EPA 2018
The Janssen Neuroscience team has just returned from the European Psychiatry Association (EPA) Congress 2018, which took place from the 3-6 March in Nice, France.
This year, there was a special focus on the integration of new technologies and research findings into person-centered approaches at the EPA congress. It is encouraging to see the EPA reinforcing the importance of putting patients first, something that Janssen has been committed to for the 60 years that we have been working in mental health.
Over the last six decades, Janssen has continued to strive to minimise the burden of disease for people living with mental health disorders, and have produced more than 20 widely-used medications and innovations, which collectively have helped to shape the care of neuropsychiatric diseases.
At EPA this year, Janssen had a prominent booth, sponsored two well-attended symposia and presented survey data in the form of a poster. The poster showcased the results from the 2017 ‘Open Minds’ psychiatrist survey, following on from the success at EPA 2017, when results from a Patient and Carer Survey were presented.
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What is Schizophrenia? Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic brain disorder, in which symptoms can be severe and disabling and can affect all aspects of a person’s daily life. Its prevalence is similar around the world - almost one person in every 100 will develop schizophrenia before they reach the age of 60, with men slightly more at risk.1,2 Schizophrenia is typically a lifelong condition, but there are treatments that can be beneficial. Clinical guidelines recommend that the optimal treatment package is a combination of antipsychotic medication along with psychotherapy, psycho-education and self-help.3 Effective treatment may allow people with the condition to enjoy a more fulfilling, well rounded life, which may include returning to work or study, independent living and social relationships, which in turn can aid their recovery.4 |
Both surveys highlight the importance of open discussions between HCPs and patients with schizophrenia, and their carers.
References
- American Psychiatric Association (APA). Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Second edition 2004;65. Available at http://psychiatryonline.org/pb/assets/raw/sitewide/practice_guidelines/guidelines/schizophrenia.pdf (last accessed January 2018).
- Picchioni M, Murray R. Schizophrenia. BMJ 2007;335:91.
- National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management; National Clinical Practice Guidelines Number CG178. Available at https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg178 (last accessed January 2018).
- Fleischhacker WW, Arango C, Arteel P. et al. Time to commit to policy change. Sch Bull 2014;40:165-194.