title: Evidence-based pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia.
abstract: The introduction of the new-generation antipsychotics has changed the way we treat patients with schizophrenia. This article reviews these agents, focusing mainly on the published randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses in which the new-generation antipsychotics are compared with placebo, conventional antipsychotics or with one another. Agents included are risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone, sertindole, amisulpride and aripiprazole. Acute-phase and maintenance studies are reviewed, as well as randomized trials for pre-psychotic, first-episode schizophrenia and refractory schizophrenia. Finally, specific areas of current clinical interest are dealt with. These are: conventional vs. new-generation antipsychotics, head-to-head comparisons of new-generation antipsychotics, and side-effect profiles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. rae@sun.ac.za
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Emsley
authors.forename: Piet
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Oosthuizen
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents