This document was published more than 2 years ago. The nature of the evidence may have changed.
The Swedish Council on Health Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU) conducted a systematic literature review of research on effects of antipsychotics for treatment of schizophrenia, with a focus on second generation antipsychotics (SGA). The review also contains chapters on patient perspectives on treatment and integrated care for persons with mental illnesses with an emphasis on persons with schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia is usually a chronic and disabling psychiatric disorder which afflicts approximately one per cent of the population world-wide with little gender differences.
First generation antipsychotic drugs (FGA) such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol have traditionally been used as first-line antipsychotics for people with schizophrenia.
Today SGA drugs such as olanzapine and risperidone are used more widely. The objective of this report was to compile the available scientific evidence on the efficacy and side effects of using SGA as first-line treatment. A second objective was to evaluate the scientific evidence for the psychiatric treatment process in terms of empowerment, from the patient perspective.
A systematic review was undertaken following the PRISMA statement and standard methods used by SBU. A literature search was conducted in international medical data bases, with a last updated search May 2011. Studies that fulfilled the strict inclusion criteria were independently assessed for relevance and quality, using pre-set protocols, by two experts in the field. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion. The strength of the scientific evidence was assessed with the GRADE system.
How to cite this report: SBU. Schizophrenia – pharmacological treatments, patient involvement and organization of care. Stockholm: Swedish Council on Health Technology Assessment (SBU); 2012. SBU report no 213 (in Swedish).
SBU Assessment
presents a comprehensive, systematic assessment of available scientific evidence. The certainty of the evidence for each finding is systematically reviewed and graded. Full assessments include economic, social, and ethical impact analyses.
SBU assessments are performed by a team of leading professional practitioners and academics, patient/user representatives and SBU staff. Prior to approval and publication, assessments are reviewed by independent experts, SBU’s Scientific Advisory Committees and Board of Directors.
Published: | 11/21/2012 |
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Contact SBU: | registrator@sbu.se |
Report no: | 213 |