Psychotic Disorders
.jpg "Leslie Citrome, MD, MPH photo")
Leslie Citrome, MD, MPH
Clinical Professor
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY
New York Medical College
.jpg "Amber Hoberg, PMHNP-BC photo")
Amber Hoberg, PMHNP-BC
Baptist Health Systems
Morning Star Family Medicine PLLC
Max Guttman, LCSW
Therapist/Owner
Recovery Now, LLC
Long-acting injectable (LAI) medications have become an essential tool in the management of schizophrenia, particularly in patients with poor medication adherence and/or a history of frequent hospitalizations. This session will explore the benefits of LAIs, including improved symptom control, reduced hospitalization rates, and increased quality of life, through a discussion from panelists, including that from the perspective of an ACT team. The ACT team, or Assertive Community Treatment team, is a specialized type of multidisciplinary mental health care team that provides intensive and comprehensive treatment to individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses who have complex and often multiple needs. The team uses a patient-centered approach, and works closely with patients and their families to develop individualized treatment plans that are tailored to meet each patient's unique needs and goals.
The panel will discuss how to identify patients who may benefit from LAIs, how to initiate and titrate LAI medications, and strategies for monitoring and managing side effects. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the importance of LAIs in the treatment of schizophrenia and will leave with practical tips for incorporating LAIs into their practice.