Schizophrenia: Indian research: II—treatment issues

Abstract

This chapter reviews the Indian research on efficacy and effectiveness of antipsychotics in management of schizophrenia, other treatment related issues, caregivers related issues, course and outcome of schizophrenia and studies evaluating the special population. Most of the available studies have evaluated the efficacy of typical antipsychotics and suggest that these are more efficacious than placebo. In recent time, some of the studies have also evaluated the short-term efficacy of atypical antipsychotics in management of acute phase of schizophrenia. Some of the studies have also specifically evaluated the side effects of antipsychotics. Other studies have tried to understand treatment compliance, factors associated with relapse and attitude towards medications. One of the major areas of interest in recent times has been evaluation of prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS). As family members form an integral part of treatment, research has also focused on issues such as caregiver burden, coping, social support, quality of life, experience of caregiving, needs of patients as perceived by the caregivers, positive aspects of caregiving and family intervention. Research in psychosocial rehabilitation of schizophrenia and related areas is sparse. Studies evaluating the course and outcome of schizophrenia suggests that overall the outcome of schizophrenia is better in Indian setting when compared with developed countries.