A new algorithm for treating schizophrenia.

This article presents two algorithms dealing with the management of schizophrenia. One provides a strategy for initiating pharmacologic treatment of schizophrenia and for ongoing medication management. The other covers suggestions for managing several common comorbid psychiatric conditions and some common side effects. The major change from previous algorithms is the suggestion that the newer atypical antipsychotic agents may now be the treatment of choice for initiating therapy in most clinical situations.