Psychiatria pre prax 2/2019

Maintenance treatment of schizophrenia with long‑acting injectable antipsychotics – work with patients and their family members

The article discusses the importance of education aimed to patients with schizophrenia and their family members during the initiation and during the course of maintenance treatment with long-acting injectable antipsychotics. It is very important to choose the optimal subpopulation of patients for this type of treatment. Education should be led by experienced professional with positive attitude to this treatment. It is necessary to discuss with patients and their family members the advantages (and disadvantages) of treatment with long-acting injectable antipsychotics rather than only injection procedure. Education is needed for other staff members too. The continuation of education is necessary during the whole course of treatment because only this procedure can provide better and more stable treatment outcome.

Keywords: schizophrenia, long‑acting injectable antipsychotics, maintenance treatment, education