Master Class
Desiree Matthews, PMHNP-BC
Founder, Lead Clinician
Different MHP, PC
.jpeg "Veronica Ridpath, DO photo")
Veronica Ridpath, DO
Department Chair, Psychiatry and Substance Abuse Disorders
HopeHealth
University of South Carolina
Max Guttman, LCSW
Therapist/Owner
Recovery Now, LLC
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder associated with significant burdens, physical and psychological comorbidities, increased rates of mortality, and considerable therapeutic challenges. Conventional antipsychotic treatment for schizophrenia is plagued by numerous shortcomings, including inadequate treatment response and medication-related adverse events. Poor response and undesirable effects related to treatment are often a cause for patient-initiated and undisclosed treatment discontinuation. This session is designed to systematically address the myths and misconceptions that are limiting optimal use of LAIs for patients with schizophrenia by identifying the real-world data behind adherence challenges; providing up-to-date safety and efficacy data comparing LAIs with oral treatments; describing the most recent guideline recommendations for LAI therapy, including practical considerations and administration techniques; and providing strategies for communicating with patients about the opportunities and risks associated with LAI treatment for patients with schizophrenia, all with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
This session is supported by independent educational grants from Alkermes, Inc. and Teva Pharmaceuticals