Long-term Treatment of Schizophrenia with Atypical Antipsychotics

Overview

Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder with frequent relapses. It was proved that the occurrence ofrelapses could be reduced by maintenance antipsychotic treatment. Nowadays there are only fewcontrolled double blind studies dealing with long-term treatment with atypical antipsychotics. Inthe published studies the atypical antipsychotics were more effective in relapse prevention thanthe typical antipsychotics (haloperidol) and more effective on negative symptoms in comparisonwith placebo. There are differences between individual atypical antipsychotics, especially asregards side effects, which could be important in long-term treatment. The tolerance is closelyconnected with compliance. Therefore it is necessary to consider individual tolerance and patientsatisfaction with treatment.

Key words:
schizophrenia, relapse, prevention, long-term treatment, atypical antipsychotics, sideeffects.