Pharmacological approaches to the management of schizophrenia.
Pharmacological treatment remains the mainstay of the management of schizophrenia. Older, "typical" antipsychotics carry a significant burden of side effects, notably extrapyramidal and neurocognitive side effects. Newer, "atypical" agents carry a lower risk of extrapyramidal side effects. They appear to have added benefit for treating negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, and hence can enhance the quality of life of some patients. The choice of particular agents for individual patients requires a balancing of efficacy and side effects. Medication is only one element of what should be an individualised comprehensive treatment plan for people with schizophrenia.
Office for Psychiatric Evaluation and Educational Newmedia, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC. lambertt@unimelb.edu.au
Timothy J R
TJ
Lambert
David J
DJ
Castle
D000077582:Amisulpride; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001480:Basal Ganglia Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D003024:Clozapine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010890:Pirenzepine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013469:Sulpiride / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003987:Dibenzothiazepines; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000069348:Quetiapine Fumarate; D010890:Pirenzepine; D013469:Sulpiride; D000077582:Amisulpride; D003024:Clozapine; D018967:Risperidone; D000077152:Olanzapine