Rationale for emphasis on management over treatment of schizophrenia in clinical practice.
There is a need for clinicians to emphasize "management" over "treatment" in their pharmacologic approach to schizophrenia. Using the term "treatment" may set up unrealistic expectations for a fuller recovery to a premorbid level of functioning, with potential use of overmedication and polypharmacy as well as possible unwanted adverse effects. The "management" concept allows clinicians to work with the best current medication practice, taking into account the wide variability in the course of illness and response to treatment. Prescribing clinicians should work collaboratively with other caregivers to enhance adaptive behavior and functional outcome through psychosocial rehabilitative interventions, within the context of recovery.
Ahmed
Mohiuddin
M
Taunton State Hospital, Taunton, MA 02780-0997, USA. mohiuddin.ahmed@dmh.state.ma.us
Osser
David N
DN
Boisvert
Charles M
CM
Albert
Lawrence G
LG
Aslam
Masood
M
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents