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- Title
Clozapine and the Treatment of Schizophrenia.
- Authors
Higgins, Patricia B.
- Abstract
Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic medication, is the most significant pharmacological advancement in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia in years. Effective in treating the nearly 30 percent of people with schizophrenia who do not respond to conventional pharmacological and psychosocial therapies, clozapine offers new hope to many. However, high cost, a potentially lethal side effect, and a weekly mandatory monitoring system have hampered access to clozapine treatment. This article reviews a brief history of dozapine use in the United States and also the unique features of the medication. Economic, ethical, and personnel resource issues of clozapine use are summarized. The author describes her clinical experiences with the psychosocial issues faced by those who respond to clozapine treatment, case highlights, and social work interventions. Social A work advocacy for increased access to clozapine, the potential contribution us of social workers in the selection of patients for treatment, and the logistical management issues confronting social workers in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings are addressed.
- Subjects
SCHIZOPHRENIA treatment; CLOZAPINE; PSYCHOSOCIAL factors; MENTAL health; ANTIPSYCHOTIC agents; SOCIAL workers
- Publication
Health & Social Work, 1995, Vol 20, Issue 2, p124
- ISSN
0360-7283
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/hsw/20.2.124