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The Underuse of Clozapine and Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics
E Fuller Torrey1, Jeffrey Lieberman1
1The Stanley Medical Research Institute, Rockville, Maryland (Torrey); Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City (Lieberman).
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|October 9, 2024
Summary
Effective schizophrenia treatments like clozapine and long-acting injectables are underused, contributing to homelessness and incarceration. Key organizations must address this gap in mental healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health Services Research
Background:
- Schizophrenia is a severe, costly illness with significant public health consequences.
- High rates of homelessness and incarceration among individuals with schizophrenia highlight treatment failures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify critical underused treatments for schizophrenia.
- To assign responsibility for improving treatment access to key organizations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of treatment guidelines.
- Identification of key stakeholders in mental healthcare provision and policy.
Main Results:
- Clozapine and long-acting injectable antipsychotics are highly effective but underutilized.
- Significant numbers of individuals with schizophrenia remain untreated or undertreated, leading to adverse social outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the underuse of effective schizophrenia treatments requires a coordinated effort from multiple organizations.
- Key agencies including NIMH, PCORI, SAMHSA, CMS, FDA, APA, and advocacy groups must collaborate to improve patient outcomes.
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