Questions and Answers
What is still unclear about antipsychotic drugs and their therapeutic benefits?
How they alter brain chemistry and functioning
What is the effectiveness of antipsychotic drugs in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia?
Marginally effective
How is the selection and choice of antipsychotic medication currently determined?
Through a trial-and-error process
Why is it important to evaluate the side-effect profiles of antipsychotic medication for a given patient?
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What do patients desire in regards to their treatment and medication choices?
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What is the challenge in using the lowest-dose effective drug to avert relapse while minimizing the risk of side effects?
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Why should switching medications be done gradually?
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Study Notes
- This chapter provides an overview of modern-day drug treatments for schizophrenia with a recovery-based framework of care.
- It is still unclear how antipsychotic drugs alter brain chemistry and functioning to achieve their therapeutic benefits.
- Response to medication for schizophrenia varies and depends on the individual's definition of response.
- Antipsychotic drugs reduce agitation and aggressive behaviors, but are less effective in treating negative symptoms and have marginal benefits in improving cognitive performance.
- The selection and choice of antipsychotic medication is still a trial-and-error process.
- It is important to evaluate the relative risk and impact of side-effect profiles for a given patient and consider the potential consequences of drug selection.
- Patients desire to participate in decision-making related to their treatment and medication choices.
- Using the lowest-dose effective drug to avert relapse while minimizing the risk of side effects is complicated.
- Switching medications is a tricky proposition and should be done gradually to avoid risks.
- Medication non-adherence is a challenge in the long-term care of people with schizophrenia, and various techniques are used to assess medication adherence.
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