Few Differences Between First- and Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Adults

Few differences of clinical importance for outcomes related to effectiveness were found in a new review of first-generation and second-generation antipsychotics for adults with schizophrenia, schizophrenia-related psychoses, or bipolar disorder. The review, from AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program, also found that outcomes such as death and quality of life were rarely assessed, and that data comparing side effects were sparse. Inconsistency in treatment comparisons, outcomes, outcome measurements, and patient populations across studies made drawing firm conclusions difficult. However, the research review provides extensive details of characteristics and methodological features of the studies that may help inform individual treatment decisions. Select to access Antipsychotics in Adults: Comparative Effectiveness of First-Generation versus Second-Generation Medications.

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http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/146/1054/CER63_Antipsychotics-in-Adults_FinalReport_20120816.pdf