Abstract summary 

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with profound effects on a person's life. In addition to the psychiatric symptoms, patients with schizophrenia generally have multiple somatic comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The general practitioner (GP) is of key importance for the patient's continuous care and holistic wellbeing.The aim of this article is to emphasise the role of GPs in embracing physical exercise as add-on treatment to antipsychotic medications, and to illustrate the value of exercise for people with schizophrenia by summarising the effects on the psychiatric symptoms, neuroanatomical and neurochemical characteristics, and general physiological and psychological health.Physical exercise can lead to improvements in positive, negative and cognitive symptoms, as well as in somatic comorbidities, global functioning and quality of life. Physical exercise can be a valuable add-on intervention for people with schizophrenia. The GP is essential for prescribing and following up on exercise tailored for the individual.

Authors & Co-authors:  Viljoen Margaretha M Roos Johannes L JL

Study Outcome 

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