Clinical implications of alcohol-use disorders in schizophrenia

Evidence suggests that there are elevated rates of alcohol-use disorders (AUDs) at each stage of schizophrenia. Although the literature examining the clinical implications of alcohol at the early stages of schizophrenia are rather sparse, findings from numerous studies suggest that comorbid AUDs in individuals with schizophrenia exacerbate psychopathology, undermine medication compliance, add to cognitive dysfunction, impaired community functioning and physical health. Although there are several clinical implications of AUDs, their inter-relationships are not well known and must be further studied to present a clearer clinical picture. Gaps in the literature and areas for future research will be discussed.