Overview of pharmacological treatments and guidelines

Abstract

This chapter summaries the medication strategies available to clinicians. Clozapine is uniquely effective in the management of treatment-refractory schizophrenia. The authors will cover the evidence base in some detail behind clozapine use, summarizing RCTs, meta-analyses and clinical papers. It aims to also offer advice in augmentation strategies with clozapine. Where clozapine may not be used in those patients suffering from refractory schizophrenia, the evidence behind alternative strategies to clozapine will be covered.