The pros and cons of antipsychotic medication in the treatment of schizophrenia

Abstract

A plethora of research exists on antipsychotic medication. This dissertation aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of antipsychotic medication in the treatment of schizophrenia. The study has adopted a qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews with six professionals hailing from different, albeit related disciplines, namely, two psychologists, two psychiatrists and two psychiatric nurses. Four superordinate themes together with sub-ordinate themes were identified, namely, Benefits of Antipsychotic Medication, Costs of Antipsychotic Medication, Benefits Outweighing Costs, and Need for Better Medication. Within the first superordinate theme, relief from positive symptoms, living a functional life and reduced risk of relapse were identified as the major benefits of antipsychotic medication. On the other hand, four salient points emerged pertaining to the superordinate theme related to ‘costs’, namely, limited effectiveness of antipsychotics, their side effects, non-adherence and stigma. Nevertheless, all six participants stated that, in effect, the benefits of antipsychotic medication do outweigh costs. Participants also expressed the need for continued research on the treatment of schizophrenia with the aim of developing better and more effective medication with less debilitating side effects than the antipsychotics currently available.