Antipsychotic Long-acting Injections

Antipsychotic long-acting injections (LAIs) were introduced in the 1960s to improve treatment adherence in schizophrenia. Subsequently, first-generation antipsychotic LAIs became widely used in many countries. Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in LAIs that partly reflects the introduction of several second-generation antipsychotic LAIs. This book brings together clinical and research findings on LAIs in a comprehensive volume, with chapters being written by international experts. Though the book concentrates on the use of LAIs in schizophrenia, the emerging evidence base for the use of LAIs in bipolar disorder is also discussed. A repeated theme throughout the book is the importance of prescribing decisions - whether for oral medication or an LAI, reflecting a shared decision making process by the prescriber and patient. The authors stress that antipsychotic LAIs are not suitable for all patients and are only one possible solution to adherence problems. Providing a synthesis and broad picture of the place of LAIs in current clinical practice, and looking at both their advantages and disadvantages, this book will be valuable for psychiatrists, psychopharmacologists, and pharmacists.