The New Pharmacotherapy of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe and complicated illness that has challenged researchers for years. Only recently, the first significant gains in the treatment of schizophrenia in more than 40 years have been made. The New Pharmacotherapy of Schizophrenia equips both the clinician and researcher with new information for the improved treatment of schizophrenia. In this practical clinical guide, 19 distinguished contributors synthesize recent advances and update new developments in the treatment of schizophrenia. The emergent era in the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia is characterized by a new class of antipsychotic agents that promise superior efficacy and more favorable side-effect profiles. One of the most promising drugs, clozapine, is discussed in the book in terms of its current status and clinical applications. Risperidone's wide use as a first-line antipsychotic agent is considered. Clinical aspects and mechanisms of action of new and experimental antipsychotic agents are explored, and the current status of the traditional neuroleptic agents is reviewed. New information has also led to an improved understanding of how to employ existing pharmacotherapeutic agents.
Approaches to augmenting traditional neuroleptic drug efficacy through the use of "add-on" agents is considered. Treatment strategies developed specifically for two common and debilitating symptom clusters in schizophrenia, negative symptoms and depression, are also presented.