Common schizophrenia symptoms often overlooked by physicians, according to ex...( Failure to control the affective...),Health

"Failure to control the affective and cognitive disease symptoms is one of the biggest barriers preventing many patients today from achieving a meaningful social and occupational recovery," said Philip D. Harvey, PhD, professor of psychiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and chief psychologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, an author of the statement. "We believe it is important for doctors to look beyond the control of positive symptoms and consider the affective/cognitive benefits of medication to help patients achieve a 'functional' recovery."

Studies suggest that atypical antipsychotics improve cognition better than older antipsychotics, but even atypical antipsychotics differ in their ability to treat these symptoms. In a large-scale study, patients who had not responded well to prior treatment with risperidone, olanzapine, or conventional antipsychotics were switched to ziprasidone, one of the newer atypical antipsychotics, and showed statistically significant improvement in cognitive symptoms.

Not only do atypical antipsychotics differ in their ability to improve cognition, they have different side effect profiles. Weight gain in particular has become a problem with some medications. The survey shows that more than 75 percent of patients on antipsychotic medications gain weight and of those who said they gained weight, the average weight gain is 52 pounds. Fortunately, at least two of the newer medications are not associated with weight gain. The authors advise that factors such as side effect profiles are predictable and individual preferences should be considered.

People with schizophrenia agree with the optimistic views expressed in the consensus statement. The survey found that virtually everyone with schizophrenia (94%) believes that daily functioning is part of successful treatment for schizophrenia and most (83%) believe with the right medications, people with schizophrenia should be able to lead full lives.
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Contact: Elaine Metcalf
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Chandler Chicco Agency
7-Mar-2005