Management of Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

Abstract

The most common method of pharmacotherapy for patients with schizophrenia includes the use of antipsychotic medications. This group of medications can be subdivided into typical and atypical antipsychotics, or first and second-generation antipsychotics respectively. In the case of treatment resistance to the initial antipsychotic trial, there a several approaches to treat patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Some of these include altering the dose, switching between classes or different generic forms, the use of Clozapine, benzodiazepines, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and social therapy.