Proceedings and data from the Schizophrenia summit: a critical appraisal to improve the management of Schizophrenia.

摘要

In mid-February 2008, a panel of 10 nationally recognized schizophrenia research experts was assembled in a Schizophrenia Summit to focus on controversies that exist in treating patients with schizophrenia. The current literature related to the diagnosis and etiopathology of schizophrenia was evaluated regarding the identification of a prodromal phase, brain changes, cognitive impairments, genetic factors, and use of neuroimaging in patients with schizophrenia. Further, consideration was given to evidence supporting the neuroprotective benefits of atypical antipsychotic medications, the benefits of treating patients during the prodromal period, the use of combination antipsychotic medications, the need to improve cognitive function, and the management of substance abuse. Summit faculty member opinion is compared with field survey results, and recommendations are made for future research.