PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA - WHAT SOCIAL-WORKERS NEED TO KNOW

Antipsychotic drugs are considered a critical component in the treatme nt of schizophrenia, one of the most debilitating mental illnesses. So cial workers need sophisticated up-to-date knowledge about these medic ations to more fully embrace their roles as collaborators and consulta nts with clients,families, physicians, and other providers in the clin ical arena. This article provides an overview of the efficacy of antip sychotic medications and a brief review of their common side effects a nd then details the current research and treatment practices with the so-called conventional and atypical antipsychotics on the market or in development, as well as commonly used adjunctive and side-effect medi cations. The article concludes by discussing trends in pychopharmacolo gical research in schizophrenia of special relevance to social work.