Improving Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Schizophrenia: What Is the Evidence for Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics?

Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics can prevent relapses and hospitalizations, but they are underutilized, especially early in the course of illness. Health care providers need confidence in discussing LAIs with patients. LAI antipsychotics may be a reasonable option for many patients with schizophrenia and should be discussed routinely when evaluating treatment options. Health care providers may lack knowledge of options for LAI antipsychotics and be reluctant to discuss this therapy, but they need to be fully versed in considerations when discussing LAI options with patients. Patients with schizophrenia benefit when consideration of LAI medications is discussed as part of collaborative clinical practice. This activity was designed to meet the needs of participants in CME activities provided by the CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., who have requested information on schizophrenia and LAI antipsychotic agents.