New Dimensions in the Pharmacologic Treatment of Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses

Abstract

During the past 5 years unprecedented advances have taken place in the psychopharmacology of schizophrenia and related psychoses. Clozapine and risperidone, two prototypic novel antipsychotic drugs, have had a significant impact on the treatment of psychotic disorders. Additionally, they have ushered in another generation of antipsychotic drugs with complex pharmacologic profiles, potentially enhanced efficacy, and more benign side-effect profiles than previously associated with conventional antipsychotic medications. This review highlights these developments, implications for the management of psychotic disorders, and the use of novel antipsychotic drugs in specific clinical subgroups.

Psychopathology in dual-diagnosis and nonaddicted schizophrenics: are there differences?

“…Few studies have addressed psychosocial approaches [10,16,20] or psychopharmacological options in dualdiagnosis schizophrenics [43,51]. The use of novel atypical neuroleptics [3] such as clozapine [10] or depot neuroleptics such as flupenthixol [24] and antidepressants [39,40,41] has been advocated. A more systematic assessment of the efficacy of different outpatient and inpatient programs for dual-diagnosis schizophrenia is needed.…”

Novel Antipsychotics and Patient Care in State Hospitals

“…Several studies, mostly open-labeled and uncontrolled, have suggested that clozapine may ameliorate TD through some active pharmacologic (possibly serotonergic-mediated) process. 47 Tamminga et al 48 compared TD ratings over 12 months in a sample of patients with established TD. Nineteen patients were receiving clozapine and 13 were receiving haloperidol.…”

Clozapine: Current perspective

“…[2930] Whether this is due to a sedative effect, a specific antiaggressive action or just reflects an overall improvement in psychosis is unknown.…”