The case for long-acting antipsychotic agents in the post-CATIE era

Long-acting antipsychotic agents were developed to promote treatment compliance in patients requiring maintenance treatment for schizophrenia.

An analysis of the impact of non-compliance on treatment outcomes in schizophrenia and the advantages and disadvantages of long-acting antipsychotics.

Partial or total non-compliance with oral antipsychotics remains widespread and is associated with significant increases in the risk of relapse, rehospitalization, progressive brain tissue loss and further functional deterioration. Long-acting agents have the potential to address issues of all-cause discontinuation and poor compliance. The development of the first long-acting atypical antipsychotic, which appears to be effective and well tolerated, should further improve the long-term management of schizophrenia.

Long-acting agents represent a valuable tool for the management of schizophrenia and merit wider use, especially in light of emerging literature regarding the neuroprotective advantages of atypical antipsychotics over conventional agents in terms of regenerating brain tissue during maintenance therapy.