Schizophrenia — aetiology and management | T&F

During an acute episode of schizophrenia, disorganised features involving speech, thought, and behaviour are often known as ‘positive’ symptoms.

In patients with schizophrenia, positive symptoms (such as delusions and hallucinations) tend to respond better to drug therapy than negative symptoms.

Schizophrenia is more common in women than in men.

The use of more than one antipsychotic at the same time is usually recommended?

The atypical antipsychotics may be better tolerated than classical antipsychotics and, in particular, extrapyramidal symptoms may be less frequent.

In elderly patients with dementia, antipsychotic drugs are associated with a small reduced risk of mortality and an increased risk of stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

Second-generation antipsychotic drugs are less likely to cause diabetes than first-generation antipsychotic drugs.

Approximately 10% of patients will have no response to classical antipsychotics.

Lower doses of antipsychotics should be used during the maintenance period to reduce side effects.

Risperdone is most effective atypical antipsychotic in the management of both positive and negative symptoms.