Evaluation of SGAs for Treating SZ

Question 1

+ Many show improvement

Answer 1

60% of SGA users show improvements - suggests SGAs are largely effective at treating SZ symptoms for the majority, however are the same as FGAs in effectiveness and are ineffective for up to 40% of patients

Question 2

+ SGAs vs. placebos

Answer 2

A study comparing SGAs and placebos found that in six week the SGAs reduced symptoms, while patients taking the placebo saw no change - suggests SGAs are significantly effective at treating SZ symptoms

Question 3

• Serious side effects

Answer 3

SGAs have been known to lead to serious side effects, notably a fatal blood condition - may lead to self-medication or avoidance, reducing effectiveness, and some cannot access the treatment. HOWEVER, blood condition affects only a very small minority

Question 4

• Long term sufferers

Answer 4

SGAs often fail to help people who have experience symptoms for many years - suggests drug treatments are ineffective for long-term sufferers, HOWEVER are largely effective for those who have experienced only minimal episodes