Antipsychotic medication use patterns and associated costs of care for individuals with schizophrenia.

Abstract

Future research should evaluate the impact of newer antipsychotic medications on patterns of care and economic outcomes. More information is also needed on which individual patient characteristics are likely to predict success or failure on specific treatments. Finally, more detailed information on the reasons or rationale for switching or augmenting original pharmacotherapy would be valuable in improving medication management in these complex and often difficult to treat patients.