issues in Antipsychotic Treatment
ssues in Antipsychotic Treatment
Antipsychotic medications have low compliance due to both the medication itself (side effects) and the patient population. Many patients on antipsychotics are homeless, which confounds treatment. In addition, many self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, which further increases potential side effects and decreases compliance.
For this Discussion, consider issues involved with treating patients with psychotic disorders. Specifically, consider the following questions:
- Is “the cure” worse than the disease?
- Are antipsychotics effective?
- Should antipsychotics be used, or should alternative treatments be explored?
- Are the atypical (2nd generation) antipsychotics genuinely better or more effective than the 1st generation meds?
Consider other possible ways of treating schizophrenia without the aid of antipsychotics (especially 1st generation).
Submit by Day 4 an analysis of your thoughts on treating patients with schizophrenia and other psychoses. In your analysis, explain 1st and 2nd generation antipsychotics and the differences between them. Finally, evaluate the side effects of antipsychotics and how they can be managed or mitigated.
