Sequencing Therapy in the Treatment of Schizophrenia Video

Sanjai Rao, MD

https://youtu.be/oG5Siu6iBIg

Balancing and optimizing safety and efficacy when treating patients with schizophrenia can be challenging. New approaches to treatment may impact symptoms more effectively and contribute to better adherence. Sequencing, using injectables, starting with different monotherapies, or creating new combinations of therapies are some approaches that could better address symptoms and bothersome side effects.

Presented by the CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc. and supported by educational grants from Alkermes, Inc. and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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Part 1: A Review of Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia affects 1% of the world’s population largely during a patient’s most productive years. Multiple treatments are available, however many gaps to recovery exist. Learn from experts diagnostic criteria for and defining recovery in schizophrenia.

Part 2: Chasing Cognitive and Negative Symptoms:
Unmet Treatment Needs of Patients with Schizophrenia

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Negative symptoms contribute to poor functional outcomes in schizophrenia. Evaluating different symptom domains and understanding the disorder’s reward circuitry can help with intervention and patients’ leading more fulfilling lives.

Part 3: Impact of Side Effects on Adherence to Schizophrenia Treatment

Illustration of a man holding a power cord, about to plug it into a large human head silhouette with a brain and a lightning bolt, symbolizing powering up ideas or mental energy.

Side effects from medication have the greatest impact on adherence for patients with Schizophrenia. They lower quality of life, daily functioning, and satisfaction.

Part 4: Balancing Safety and Efficacy with Novel Schizophrenia Treatments

A person in a lab coat untangles a mess of lines inside a human head silhouette, symbolizing mental health support or therapy. The background features clouds, trees, and abstract shapes in purple tones.

Balancing symptoms and side effects is difficult when treating patients with schizophrenia. New approaches to treatment and new therapies in the pipeline offer hope for this difficult-to-treat mental health disorder.