Antipsychotics in the treatment of first-episode schizophrenia

In this article, the characteristics of onset, symptoms and outcome of first-episode schizophrenia are described. The guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, to consider atypical antipsychotics as first-line agents for the treatment of first-episode schizophrenia because of a reduced incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms with these agents, is discussed. The propensity for atypical antipsychotics to induce extrapyramidal symptoms is reviewed.