Abstract

HEIMANN NAVARRA, Carlos. Antipsychotics in schizophrenia: a review of current international guidelines. Rev. Asoc. Esp. Neuropsiq. [online]. 2015, vol.35, n.125, pp.79-91. ISSN 2340-2733.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0211-57352015000100006.

Schizophrenia is a clinically heterogeneous disease whose evolution depends to a high degree on factors which lie beyond the perception of the psychiatrist. Thus, when treating patients with schizophrenia psychiatrists should base their decisions on empirical knowledge and on expert guides rather than relying on their own pharmacological experience. However, studies show that the adherence to scientific guidelines is low, that prescribing habits persist which are often unnecessarily risky or of questionable value. How to decide on the type of antipsychotic, the dose, the waiting time before changing the type of antipsychotic, the type and dose for first episode of schizophrenia and in case of resistance are some of the issues addressed here. The article examines the international studies conducted between 2005 and 2009 on antipsychotics in the acute phase of schizophrenia, as well as four of the main guidelines that emerged between 2008 and 2011 as a result of these studies. Finally, the recommendations given in these guidelines to the above questions are shown in a synthesized and compared manner.

Keywords : Antipsychotics in schizophrenia; A review of current international guidelines.

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