DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.10517 ISSN: 0924-9338
Rethinking Schizophrenia Care in Europe: A Brain Health Approach to Early Intervention and System Reform
P. Mohr, G. Dom, A. Fiorillo, P. Falkai, C. Arango, A. Szulc, J. Samochowiec, P. Toczyski, J. Rybakowski, M. Nordentoft, M. Lorenzen, W. Gaebel, A. Meyer-Lindenberg, A. Vita, I. Bitter, S. Galderisi, J. Beezhold, P. Boyer, P. Keri, A. Catalan, B. Chaumette, S. Dolffus, C. Duarte, P. Fusar-Poli, O. Howes, J. Vasco Santos, V. Quoidbach
Introduction
Schizophrenia continues to represent a major public health concern, affecting individuals, families, and health systems throughout Europe. While progress has been made in managing positive symptoms, significant challenges persist—particularly in early detection, continuity of care, and addressing cognitive and negative symptoms. Moreover, traditional care models often neglect the critical role of social determinants and environmental factors that contribute to disease onset and progression.
Objectives
This project aims to introduce a redefined care framework for schizophrenia, based on the
European Brain Council’s Rethinking Schizophrenia
initiative and
Study Paper
released in 2025. The objective is to advocate for a shift from reactive, crisis-driven care models toward a proactive, brain health–oriented paradigm that integrates clinical, social, and policy components. The project also seeks to bridge the gap between neuroscience and real-world service delivery through national “country profiles” and policy engagement.
Methods
The project builds on a multi-phase methodology. Phase 1 and Phase 2 included semi-structured interviews and qualitative research across nine countries to understand patient pathways and barriers to care. Phase 3 focuses on country-specific analyses in Poland, Denmark, and Germany using a structured template. It integrates national health data, WHO and EU resources, and consultations with patients, experts and key national stakeholders to assess care delivery, social determinants, and innovation uptake as well to refine findings and recommendations.
Results
Findings from Poland, Denmark, and Germany reveal persistent systemic gaps in early intervention, insufficient youth-centered services, fragmented care delivery, and limited focus on negative and cognitive symptoms. The results emphasize the need to 1) Integrate brain health principles into national policy; 2) Strengthen early neuropsychological assessment; 3) Expand access to innovative treatments and psychosocial care; 4) Address socio-environmental risk factors including poverty, trauma, and housing instability. These national profiles aim to create momentum for systemic reform.
Conclusions
This project calls for a paradigm shift in schizophrenia care—from siloed mental health responses to integrated, brain health–oriented strategies that span clinical care, social policy, and prevention. Country-specific insights demonstrate the urgent need for upstream interventions, personalized care pathways, and cross-sector coordination. By placing brain health and the social determinants of health at the core of system reform, the
Rethinking Schizophrenia
project supports a holistic and sustainable vision for schizophrenia care in Europe. The project further underscores the importance of continuous EU and national policy engagement and aims to contribute to a broader “brain health in all policies” agenda.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared