Treatment of schizophrenia

Antipsychotic medication remains a mainstay of treatment in both acute and chronic schizophrenia. Emphasis in recent years has focused on maximizing benefits and minimizing risks of medication by attempting to establish minimum effective dosage requirements for all phases of treatment and to provide alternative strategies for individuals who fail to benefit from antipsychotic drug treatment. At present all approaches to the treatment-refractory patient remain experimental, and further research in this area is of critical importance. Definite advances have been made in exploring the impact of psychological and psychosocial treatments administered in conjunction with various antipsychotic drug strategies. More sophisticated and comprehensive assessment measures have been applied in long-term treatment trials, enabling us to be more specific about treatment goals and treatment evaluation. Although no major "breakthrough" has occurred in the treatment of schizophrenia, incremental advances which can reduce rates of relapse and rehospitalization, improve the quality of adaptation, and reduce the risk of significant adverse effects are of enormous importance to affected individuals, their families, and society at large.