Newer Drugs No Better Than Older Ones for Childhood Schizophrenia
Side effects differ, but most patients find little relief in long run, experts say
Insel agreed the response to these medications isn't "all that great."
"These are kids who are pretty ill," Insel said. "It reminds us again that the medications we have may be necessary but not sufficient. We need to do much better both with psychosocial treatments as well coming up with a third-generation of medications that are just far more effective."
Until that time, Insel thinks that doctors should make prescribing decisions based upon which medication, old or new, is best for an individual patient. Although the older drugs are generally cheaper, cost should not be a criteria used when prescribing, Insel insisted.
"These findings ought to be used to open up choice, not to restrict it," Insel said. "We don't want to make things totally about cost."
More information
For more on schizophrenia, visit the National Institute of Mental Health.
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