Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
08:20
MRI-guided dmPFC-rTMS as a Treatment for Treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: August 11, 2015
Defining and characterising treatment-resistant schizophrenia
Summary
This study proposes expanding the definition of treatment refractoriness to include partial drug responses and intolerance. A consensus on this broader definition will guide clinicians and researchers in managing challenging patient cases.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Practice
Background:
- Treatment refractoriness is a significant challenge in managing various medical conditions.
- Current definitions may exclude patients with partial responses or drug intolerances.
- A clear definition is crucial for effective patient management and research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for a broader definition of treatment refractoriness.
- To include patients with partial drug responses, recent onset, less severe symptoms, and drug intolerance.
- To guide the development of standardized diagnostic criteria.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and expert consensus building are proposed.
- Discussion of criteria for defining drug responsiveness in clinical trials.
- Emphasis on prolonged observation periods without necessarily requiring high doses or adjunct therapies.
Main Results:
- A proposed broader definition encompassing partial responses and intolerances.
- Criteria for drug responsiveness trials emphasizing duration over intensity.
- Potential for a consensus definition to standardize clinical and research approaches.
Conclusions:
- A revised definition of treatment refractoriness is needed.
- This broader definition will enhance patient identification and treatment strategies.
- Consensus on this definition will improve clinical guidance and research outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Antipsychotic drugs are a crucial treatment method for acute and chronic psychoses, bipolar illness, and behavioral disorders. The selection of these drugs depends on several factors, including the state of the disease, clinical judgment, possible drug interactions, and the patient's sensitivity to adverse effects. In immediate scenarios, such as delirium and dementia, short-term treatment with low doses of high-potency typical or atypical agents can effectively manage symptom exacerbation. For...
01:28Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
The term "psychosis" refers to a spectrum of mental disorders characterized by abnormal thoughts, perceptions, and behaviors. It can manifest as mood disorders, dementia, delirium with psychotic features, substance-induced psychosis with psychotic features, brief psychotic disorder, delusional disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. Among all these disorders, schizophrenia is the most common psychotic disorder, affecting 1% of the worldwide population. Psychotic symptoms in all...
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
01:28Drug Therapy
The advent of drug therapy has profoundly shaped modern mental health care, providing targeted treatments for a range of psychological disorders. Psychotherapeutic drugs, classified into antianxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications, address symptoms across anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. While these medications have transformed patient outcomes, they require careful management due to their potential side effects and limitations.
Antianxiety Medications
Antianxiety Medications
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...