Treating Schizophrenia: Side Effects and Adherence Video

Sanjai Rao, MD

https://youtu.be/dykisN2QEKA

One of the central gaps that can affect treatment adherence for individuals with schizophrenia is side effects. Adverse events can lead to substantial impacts across all aspects of daily functioning and lower quality of life and satisfaction. Sanjai Rao, MD discusses the adverse events with the largest impact on treatment adherence.

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

Illustration of two people sitting in chairs, talking. Behind them are two large human head outlines; one contains tangled lines, the other a neatly wound ball of yarn, symbolizing therapy or problem-solving.

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

Illustration of a person climbing stairs while holding a puzzle piece toward a large human head silhouette with a puzzle piece missing. Arrows and clouds in the background suggest growth and progress.

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.