PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA: A REVIEW OF CURRENT STRATEGIES

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a complex and debilitating psychiatric illness characterized by a variety of symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and cognitive deficits. Pharmacological treatment is a fundamental part of managing this condition, aiming to alleviate symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. A comprehensive review of current pharmacological treatment strategies is crucial to inform clinicians about best practices and to guide future research in the area. Objective: Critically analyze recent studies on the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia, identifying the most effective interventions, the main challenges and gaps in the literature. Methodology: The review was carried out following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The databases used were PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science. The descriptors used were "schizophrenia", "pharmacological treatment", "antipsychotics", "psychopharmacology" and "drug therapy". Inclusion criteria: studies published in the last 10 years, randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Exclusion criteria: studies unrelated to pharmacological treatment, case reports and studies with small samples or inadequate methodology. Results: Analysis of studies revealed a variety of pharmacological interventions for the treatment of schizophrenia, including typical and atypical antipsychotics, as well as adjunctive therapies. Key topics covered included clinical efficacy, tolerability, side effects, treatment adherence, and long-term treatment approaches. Several studies have highlighted the importance of individualizing treatment, considering the specific characteristics of each patient. However, persistent challenges such as treatment resistance and side-effect management have been identified. Conclusion: This review highlights the diversity of pharmacological treatment options available for patients with schizophrenia, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary and personalized approach. Identifying the most effective interventions and understanding the challenges associated with treatment are crucial steps to improving clinical outcomes and quality of life for these patients.