Dysphagia in Schizophrenia: A Scoping Review

Objective: This study aimed to examine research trends and characteristics and to identify dysphagia symptoms in patients with schizophrenia using a scoping review approach. Methods: Articles published in English in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect up to September 2024 were reviewed. The search used the keywords (“Dysphagia” OR “Swallowing disorder” OR “Difficulty Swallowing”) AND (“Schizophrenia”), and a total of 29 articles were included. Results: This study investigated overall research trends and symptoms of dysphagia in patients with schizophrenia. Research on dysphagia in schizophrenia has been conducted consistently and has increased over the past five years, with most studies being qualitative. The most common symptoms of dysphagia were oropharyngeal and behavioral problems. Two main causes of dysphagia were identified: inherent features of schizophrenia and the use of antipsychotic medications. Conclusion: Prevalence studies and the development of assessment tools for dysphagia in patients with schizophrenia are needed, along with a multidisciplinary approach integrating pharmacological interventions, dysphagia rehabilitation, and psychosocial interventions. Occupational therapists, with expertise in dysphagia and mental health, should prioritize high-quality research to support the daily functioning and recovery of individuals with schizophrenia.