Atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenic patients

Atypical antipsychotics show a broader spectrum of efficacy and fewer adverse effects than older/typical neuroleptics. Therefore, they are used as the first-choice treatment for patients suffering from schizophrenia. Concerning the acute effects, no differences among the group of new antipsychotics have been demonstrated so far. Thus, the most important criteria for choosing an antipsychotic for an individual patient are the expected side effects resulting from different receptor-binding properties. Today, no new antipsychotic can be considered as first-choice treatment for all patients. Outcome criteria should not only include psychopathology, relapse and rehospitalization, but also side effects, neuropsychological parameters and compliance, as well as self-rated well-being and quality of life.