The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.53.1.94

This study examined changes in the pharmacologic treatment of 70 patients who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder at some time during a six-year period. An increasing use of divalproex sodium and atypical antipsychotics instead of lithium and conventional antipsychotics was observed. The use of a combination of an antipsychotic and a thymoleptic medication was more common than monotherapy, and physicians tended to continue antidepressants if patients had a history of depression. Patients with a new diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder were stabilized less quickly than those with a previous diagnosis. The use of divalproex sodium and newer antipsychotics did not reduce the time to stabilization in routine clinical practice.