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Psychology Consultant, Woonsocket, RI; Psychologist, Taunton State Hospital, Taunton, MA; Adjunct Professor, Department of Psychology, Univeristy of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School at Taunton State Hospital and Brockton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Brockton, MA
Associate Professor and Director of Counseling Programs, Rhode Island College, Providence; Clinical Psychologist, Rhode Island Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Inc., North Kingston, RI
Boston, MA
Medical Director, Taunton State Hospital
Reprints: Dr. Ahmed, Taunton State Hospital, PO Box 4007, Taunton, MA 02780-0997, mohiuddin.ahmed{at}dmh.state.ma.us
There is a need for clinicians to emphasize "management" over "treatment" in their pharmacologic approach to schizophrenia. Using the term "treatment" may set up unrealistic expectations for a fuller recovery to a premorbid level of functioning, with potential use of overmedication and polypharmacy as well as possible unwanted adverse effects. The "management" concept allows clinicians to work with the best current medication practice, taking into account the wide variability in the course of illness and response to treatment. Prescribing clinicians should work collaboratively with other caregivers to enhance adaptive behavior and functional outcome through psychosocial rehabilitative interventions, within the context of recovery.
Key Words: schizophrenia management, schizophrenia treatment
Published Online, March 27, 2007. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1H528