The Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP) schizophrenia algorithms

Background: In the Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP), detailed guid elines for medication management of schizophrenia and related disorders, bi polar disorders, and major depressive disorders have been developed and imp lemented. Discussion: This article describes the algorithms developed for medication treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders. The guidelines recommend a sequence of medications and discuss dosing, duration, and switch-over tac tics. They also specify response criteria at each stage of the algorithm fo r both positive and negative symptoms. The rationale and evidence for each aspect of the algorithms are presented.