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Join experienced Australian psychiatric faculty in examining contemporary recommendations for first-line pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia and closing the gap between evidence-based guidelines and real-world practice. Explore first-episode psychosis, treatment initiation, cautious titration, assessment of early response and tolerability, and when treatment modification or switching may be appropriate.

This activity explores what has changed in the 2026 GRADE Guidelines and why initial treatment choice has important implications beyond acute symptom control. Participants will consider how efficacy, tolerability, cardiometabolic and prolactin-related risks, negative symptoms, adherence, functional outcomes and patient preferences should inform individualised prescribing.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the key changes and clinical rationale underpinning contemporary GRADE recommendations for first-line pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia
2. Evaluate first-line antipsychotic options by considering efficacy, tolerability, cardiometabolic and prolactin-related risks, negative symptoms and longer-term functional outcomes
3. Incorporate patient preferences, treatment acceptability and individual clinical circumstances into shared decisions about initial antipsychotic therapy
4. Apply contemporary guidance to first-episode psychosis, including treatment initiation, appropriate dosing, cautious titration and assessment of early response, tolerability and adherence
5. Identify where current first-line prescribing may diverge from guideline recommendations and recognise clinical, behavioural and practical barriers to change
6. Determine when treatment modification or switching should be considered based on response, adverse effects, adherence and patient priorities
7. Identify practical changes that can strengthen individualised, guideline-aligned schizophrenia care within their clinical setting.

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