Global Insights Into Antipsychotic Research: Bridging Trends and Gaps in Schizophrenia Care (2000-2024)

Antipsychotic medications are pivotal in managing schizophrenia (SCZ), offering substantial relief from symptoms. However, their impact on functional outcomes, cognitive performance, social cognition, and quality of life remains a critical area of investigation. This bibliometric analysis examines research trends and insights into the multifaceted effects of antipsychotics on individuals with SCZ over the past 2 decades.

Publications from the Scopus database (2000-2024) were analyzed using VOSviewer (V1.6.18) to conduct keyword co-occurrence, co-authorship, and bibliographic mapping analyses. Key trends and thematic areas were identified through bibliometric metrics.

The analysis included 2991 publications, revealing variability in annual publication rates. Schizophrenia Research was the leading journal, while the United States dominated in publication volume, author contributions, and institutional output. Key thematic areas included atypical antipsychotics, cognitive impacts, neurotransmitter mechanisms, treatment modalities, quality of life, cognitive deficits, negative symptoms, and neuroimaging studies. Despite advancements, significant gaps persist in understanding social cognition and the holistic impact of antipsychotics.

This bibliometric analysis highlights the complex landscape of antipsychotic research in SCZ, underscoring progress in understanding executive functions, motor side effects, and metabolic impacts. However, the findings reveal a critical need for research into social cognition and culturally diverse populations. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing integrated treatment strategies that combine pharmacological, psychosocial, and family-based interventions. Expanding research to encompass diverse ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic contexts is imperative for advancing global psychiatric care and ensuring equitable treatment access.