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PubMed · 10743266

New developments in schizophrenia.

N Keks·P Mazumdar·R Shields
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Over 2% of the population suffer from schizophrenia and related psychoses. Virtually all sufferers now live in the community, and go to see their general practitioners. OBJECTIVE: To overview recent developments in the presentation and causes of schizophrenia and its treatment with medication and psychosocial intervention. DISCUSSION: The diagnostic boundaries of schizophrenia have become less distinct as aetiological and therapeutic similarities between schizoaffective and affective psychoses have emerged. The importance of specific symptom groups (positive, negative, cognitive, manic, depressed) with respect to brain mechanisms and response to treatment has been recognised. It is now thought that recognition of early phase illness and vigorous treatment aimed at relapse prevention may improve long term prognosis. Availability of new medications has improved outcomes. Patients with schizophrenia living in the community need a range of services best delivered through collaborative care between GPs, community and specialist services.

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Antipsychotic AgentsCommunity Mental Health ServicesFemaleHumansMalePrognosisQuality of LifeSchizophreniaJournal ArticleReview

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BibTeXRIS

N Keks, P Mazumdar, R Shields. 2000. New developments in schizophrenia.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10743266/

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Differential pharmacology of atypical antipsychotics: clinical implications.

PURPOSE: Pharmacology of atypical antipsychotics and the clinical implications are reviewed. SUMMARY: Psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are often associated with poor outcomes. Atypical antipsychotics have become the standard of care for these disorders, and multiple agents have demonstrated efficacy for both acute and maintenance therapy. As a result of their differential pharmacologic properties, atypical antipsychotics have diverse clinical profiles, resulting in different liabilities for specific adverse events. These effects can, in turn, have an adverse impact on patient functionality, adherence to therapy, and overall health. CONCLUSION: Atypical antipsychotics have distinct pharmacological profiles which result in clinically meaningful differences in adverse effects. Clinicians should have a wide choice of agents available with which to optimize outcomes in the majority of patients with psychiatric disorders.

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