Drug strategies and treatment-resistant schizophrenia

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the paper are to review the notion of treatment resistance in schizophrenia and consider the factors important in determining non-responsiveness to standard neuroleptic treatment, and to review the strategies currently available in the treatment of such patients, including an evaluation of recently-introduced, novel drug treatments. METHOD: A selective review of the literature relating to treatment resistance was undertaken using medline searches, followed by cross-checking for further articles identified in these references. RESULTS: The various treatment approaches available are considered, including adjunctive treatment with lithium or carbamazepine. The risks and ..