Strategies for Neuroprotection, Relapse Prevention, and Mortality Reduction in Patients with Schizophrenia

Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of psychiatrists and advanced practice psychiatric clinicians who care for patients with schizophrenia.

Program Overview

Only a minority of patients with schizophrenia consistently adhere to their oral antipsychotics. Long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations of antipsychotics improve patient outcomes through both neuroprotection and improved adherence. To ensure that more patients with schizophrenia are offered the opportunity to take LAIs, clinicians who provide psychiatric care must possess accurate information about this important treatment option. In this activity, an expert faculty member will discuss the safety and tolerability of LAIs; their role in the treatment of first-episode psychosis, as well as later in the course of schizophrenia; the selection of an LAI; and strategies for discussing the option of LAIs with patients. Two patient cases will be presented to illustrate the use of LAIs in common clinical scenarios.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to:

Describe the efficacy, safety, and tolerability profiles of LAI antipsychotics, including similarities and differences with oral formulations
Distinguish between adherence levels for LAI vs oral antipsychotics
Illustrate the benefits of LAI antipsychotics, particularly regarding neuroprotection
Assess the role of LAI antipsychotics early in schizophrenia, including first-episode psychosis