title: [Advantages and controversies of depot antipsychotics in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective of this article is to give an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of depot antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia. The focus is on efficacy, tolerability, relapse prevention, patient compliance and satisfaction compared to oral administration forms.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was conducted in medical databases. The results of meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews from the years 1999-2014 were included.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Depot antipsychotics ensure maintenance of constant blood levels and a continuous medication delivery. The efficacy and tolerability of depot antipsychotics are comparable to oral administration forms. Due to an improved medication compliance a reduction of relapse and hospitalization rates can be achieved. This is a key focus for improving outcomes and reducing costs in the treatment of schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie Universität Bern, Bolligenstr. 111, 3000, Bern, Schweiz.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Breit
authors.affiliation: Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie Universität Bern, Bolligenstr. 111, 3000, Bern, Schweiz. g.hasler@bluewin.ch.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hasler
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000145:classification*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations
keywords: Compliance; Health costs; Relapse; Schizophrenia; Tolerability