Pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia

Background: A lack of human and financial resources, as well as effective health systems, leads to a worldwide treatment gap for schizophrenia. the aim of this paper is to propose evidence-based antipsychotics interventions for people with schizophrenia with special focus in low and middle income countries (LAMIC) reality. Method: A comprehensive search was conducted to locate the main clinical trials, reviews and relevant meta-analyses, and a number of the main recent international clinical practice guidelines. Results: First- and second-generation antipsychotics are similarly effective in the acute treatment of psychotic symptoms. in LAMIC, the treatment of choice for medical treatment of psychotic conditions is the group of so-called 'first generation antipsychotics' (FGAs) preferentially delivered in a community-based service model. Conclusions : Although the symptomatic control is essential, it is not the ultimate goal of treatment. the main aim of treatment is to improve functional recovery and social reintegration of patients.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psychiat, BR-04038000 São Paulo, BrazilUniv London, Univ London Kings Coll, Inst Psychiat, Hlth Serv & Populat Res Dept, London WC1E 7HU, EnglandUniversidade Federal de São Paulo PROESQ, Schizophrenia Program, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Psychiat, BR-04038000 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo PROESQ, Schizophrenia Program, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc