Which management strategy can help improve adherence and reduce the daily pill burden in schizophrenia?

• A. Use only PRN short-acting meds
• B. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics to improve adherence and reduce daily pill burden
• C. Increase daily pills
• D. Stop all medications

Answer: (B)

Adherence in schizophrenia often suffers when patients have to take pills every day, so a formulation that minimizes daily self-administration can make a big difference. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics deliver medication over weeks to months, keeping steady therapeutic levels without requiring daily dosing. This reduces the daily pill burden and the chance of missed doses, which is a common risk factor for relapse. The approach supports ongoing symptom control and can lower hospitalization risk, especially for individuals with a history of nonadherence or chaotic routines.

Using only PRN short-acting meds doesn’t provide reliable maintenance coverage and still depends on the patient taking medication when symptoms flare or as needed, which can be inconsistent. Increasing daily pills merely adds to the daily burden and can worsen adherence. Stopping all medications is unsafe and would likely lead to relapse and worsening symptoms.