Abstract
Psychotic disorders are characterized by a loss of touch with reality. The most important disorder from the group is schizophrenia, illness resulting in severe functional impairment.
Diagnosis is based primarily on clinical symptomatology and exclusion of other etiology, either organic or toxic. Treatment of schizophrenia is complex, combining pharmacotherapy and psychosocial interventions.
Antipsychotics represent the causal therapy. Currently, the most frequently prescribed drugs are so called atypical antipsychotics.
The profile of side effects depends on the antipsychotic receptor affinity. Metabolic side effects and weight gain are gaining more attention, replacing traditional movement disorders (EPS) and hyperprolactinemia.
Thus, it is of utmost importance to monitor closely physical condition of patients treated with antipsychotics. The treatment is long-term, not only restricted to acute phase; maintenance therapy for relapse prevention is essential.
In case of low adherence with drug treatment, long-term acting injection formulas of antipsychotic can be administered