title: Effects of controlled-release formulations of atypical antipsychotics on functioning and quality of life of schizophrenic individuals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Controlled-release formulations of atypical antipsychotics have recently been introduced into clinical practice. Clinical studies have indicated that these new therapies induce meaningful improvements in the functioning and quality of life of schizophrenic individuals.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present analysis makes an attempt to address the clinical relevance of these studies and their contribution to the understanding of the mechanisms of action of these new drugs. A Medline search was done using the keywords 'antipsychotic', 'plasma level', 'quality of life' and 'functioning'.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After reviewing the literature, it seems that symptom control and side effects may play a role in modulating the functioning and quality of life of schizophrenic individuals treated with controlled-release formulations of atypical antipsychotics. The analysis also highlights that these new drugs may possess peculiarities and similarities in regulating patient functioning. However, the low number of clinical analyses that have focused on these aspects of antipsychotic therapy limits the interpretation of the results. Additional comparative clinical trials are needed to evaluate how the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of antipsychotic drugs may modulate the functioning and quality of life of schizophrenic individuals, as well as to establish whether new clinical benefits may come from the use of these drugs in schizophrenia therapy.
authors.affiliation: CNR, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Sect. Cagliari, Technological Park of Sardinia POLARIS, Loc. Piscinamanna, Building 5, I-09010 Pula, Cagliari, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ruiu
authors.forename: Maria Antonietta
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Casu
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Casu
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Piras
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marchese
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations