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Respiratory system dysfunction

How are respiratory conditions related to schizophrenia? 

In general, people with schizophrenia are reported to have increased rates of co-occurring conditions. These may include disorders of the respiratory system, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

What is the evidence for comorbid respiratory conditions?

Moderate to high quality evidence suggests people with schizophrenia have increased rates of respiratory problems in general, low cardiorespiratory fitness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and deteriorating lung capacity. They also have an increased risk of mortality due to respiratory illness compared to the general population. High rates of smoking may explain these associations. Exercise improves cardiorespiratory fitness, particularly regular (min 3 times per week), supervised and high intensity exercise.

May 2020

Last updated at: 4:38 pm, 18th May 2022
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Orange - Topic summary is being compiled.
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