The importance of quality of life and functionality as a guarantee of the effectiveness of schizophrenia treatment

Abstract

The work reviews the evolution of therapeutic objectives in schizophrenia, from the control of positive symptoms with first-generation antipsychotics to the current focus on functional recovery and quality of life. The role of second-generation antipsychotics is reviewed and, in particular, of long-acting injectables (LAIs) as a response to the lack of adherence, one of the main therapeutic challenges together with resistant forms. The results of the QUALIFY study are discussed, which compared monthly aripiprazole and paliperidone LAIs in 295 patients and showed the superiority of aripiprazole in quality of life and global clinical impression, especially in those under 35 years of age, also noting its methodological limitations. The author underlines the heterogeneous nature of the disease, the need for individualized treatment plans and the key role of the mental health nurse in managing these approaches.