Overview

This book aims to visually explain the underlying pathophysiology of schizophrenia, give an overview of the receptor profiles of conventional and atypical antipsychotics, and to provide information on best treatment approaches. The book is divided into five chapters for ease of reading and referencing. Chapter 1, “Neurobiology of Schizophrenia and Mood Disorders,” focuses on the known and hypothetical causes underlying the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and mood disorders. Chapter 2, “Multifunctionality of Antipsychotics,” is divided into multiple parts, focusing on the different receptor profiles and properties of antipsychotic medications. Chapter 3, “Side Effects of Antipsychotics: Metabolic Issues and Sedation,” explains the importance of monitoring patients initiated on antipsychotic medication. Chapter 4, “Individual Antipsychotic Drugs,” describes each antipsychotic medication currently available in terms of their approval, side effects profile, dosing tips, and drug interactions. Finally, Chapter 5, “Schizophrenia Pharmacy and Switching Strategies,” presents different ways to treat the various symptoms of schizophrenia and describes ways to switch between different antipsychotic agents. The visual component of this minibook is designed to allow the reader to easily grasp concepts.

Target Audience

This activity was designed for healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, neurologists, primary care physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and others who treat patients with psychiatric conditions.

Statement of Need

The following unmet needs regarding antipsychotics were revealed following a vigorous assessment of activity feedback, expert faculty assessment, literature review, and through new medical knowledge:

• • The neurobiology underlying schizophrenia is based on the dopamine hypothesis, but many other neurotransmitter systems are also involved. It is important to understand the interaction among these neurotransmitter systems in order to get the full picture of the underlying causes of schizophrenia.

• • Many of the neurotransmitter systems involved in schizophrenia are also involved in mood disorders, and thus could be targeted by drugs effective in schizophrenia. A better understanding of the neurobiology of mood disorders can lead to a more precise choice of medication.

• • The pharmacological agents used to treat schizophrenia affect neurobiological systems in specific ways; understanding the relationship between the medications and the underlying pathophysiology of schizophrenia is essential in order to select appropriate treatment for a patient.