Implementing the APA Guidelines for the Treatment of Schizophrenia: Caring for the Whole Person

In fall 2020, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) released new practice guidelines for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The new guidelines were eagerly awaited, because in the 16 years since the last update, many important discoveries about schizophrenia had been made. An overarching theme in the new APA guidelines is person-centered care. This approach is critical for improving outcomes; currently, as few as 14% to 50% of patients with schizophrenia achieve recovery. However, applying person-centered care strategies to schizophrenia management can initially feel daunting. In this activity, Henry A. Nasrallah, MD will discuss some of the most important updates to the APA guidelines and explain how to implement them. Topics covered include how to formulate treatment plans that consider patients’ needs and preferences, adjust treatment plans when patients do not respond to an antipsychotic or experience side effects, and optimize patient outcomes with long-acting injectable antipsychotics.