title: Management of schizophrenia.
abstract: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for diagnosing schizophrenia require the presence of characteristic symptoms and disabilities, as well as the specific exclusion of other disorders with similar symptomatology. Once schizophrenia is diagnosed, the classification of schizophrenic symptoms as psychotic, disorganized, or negative can help clinicians predict treatment outcomes and individualize both pharmacologic and psychosocial treatment. Three treatment phases (acute, resolving, and maintenance) have been described; each has different medication strategies and goals. The introduction of novel antipsychotic agents, such as clozapine and risperidone, has enhanced the clinicians' ability to manage schizophrenic patients. Nonetheless, psychosocial treatment remains an important component of overall patient management.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatry Service, West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center, CA 90073, USA.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Marder
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003024:Clozapine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011613:Psychotherapy; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine; D018967:Risperidone