Introduction: The Complexity of Benzodiazepine Discontinuation The clinical utility of benzodiazepine agonists (BZAs), including traditional benzodiazepines and Z-drugs, in managing acute anxiety and insomnia is well-established; however, their long-term use presents significant challenges, primarily revolving around the difficulty of safe and successful discontinuation. These agents exert their therapeutic effects by potentiating the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric […]
Attitudes toward Psychiatric Medication Use: Defining the Construct and Context Attitudes toward psychiatric medication constitute a complex and multifaceted domain of study within mental health research, acting as a critical determinant of treatment adherence, therapeutic outcomes, and overall engagement with the healthcare system. These attitudes are not monolithic; rather, they represent a composite of cognitive […]
Introduction to Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs) The introduction of Second-Generation Antipsychotics (SGAs), often referred to as atypical antipsychotics, marked a significant paradigm shift in the pharmacological management of severe mental illnesses, primarily schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and treatment-resistant depression. Unlike their predecessors, the First-Generation Antipsychotics (FGAs), SGAs were initially heralded for their reduced propensity to induce extrapyramidal […]