MEASURING OUTCOME IN SCHIZOPHRENIA - DIFFERENCES AMONG THE ATYPICAL ANTIPSYCHOTICS

The advent of the atypical antipsychotics marked a new era in the hist ory of the treatment of psychotic disorders. To evaluate the published literature about the available atypical antipsychotics-clozapine, ris peridone, olanzapine, and quetiapine-and select the most appropriate t reatment for specific patients, physicians need to understand the outc ome measures used in clinical studies, the pharmacologic differences t hat explain varying side effect profiles, and pharmacoeconomic assessm ents that are used in the decision-making process. While the atypical antipsychotics have established efficacy in the overall treatment of s chizophrenia, they may differ in their effects on factors such as cogn itive function, overall quality of life, adverse events, and hospitali zation status. Each of these factors should be considered when weighin g treatment options for an individual patient.