Optimizing Schizophrenia Outcomes Through Early Treatment With Long-Acting Injectables

Optimizing Schizophrenia Outcomes Through Early Treatment With Long-Acting Injectables is organized by Healio, Vindico Medical Education.

This enduring material is approved for 1 year from the date of original release, October 15, 2025, to October 14, 2026.

Description:
Antipsychotic therapy substantially improves the clinical outcomes and lives of patients with schizophrenia; however, adherence to oral formulations remains quite low, reducing therapeutic efficacy and increasing patients’ risk of psychotic relapse and hospitalization. Long-acting injectables (LAIs) can dramatically improve patient adherence, but are underutilized in clinical practice and are typically reserved for use in patients with severe disease. This Expert Lens activity details the latest medical understanding of psychosis in schizophrenia, examines the effect of treatment nonadherence on relapse and brain health, and reports the latest evidence supporting the early use of LAIs to improve patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

• Summarize the latest understanding regarding the biology of psychosis.
• Recognize the negative impact of poor treatment adherence and relapse on the brain of patients with schizophrenia.
• Discuss the role of LAIs in preventing relapse and improving outcomes for patients with schizophrenia.