Schizophrenia has been treated for more than 70 years with dopamine receptor antagonists or partial agonists, whose efficacy is thought to be related to a reduction of postsynaptic dopamine transmission. These so-called first- and second-generation ”antipsychotics” have been foundational for the management of schizophrenia and psychosis in general, but treatment gaps remain. These include insufficient efficacy for residual/resistant positive symptoms, negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction, tolerability issues, and low rates of functional recovery. Several new treatments not targeting dopamine receptors directly have been superior to placebo for total, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.
This video discusses the challenges we have with the available Schizophrenia treatments today? And what clinicians should keep in mind when considering the emerging treatment options for their patients living with Schizophrenia?
