Keywords
Antipsychotics
Complementary therapies
Quality of life
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Abstract
Objective: To understand how different combinations of antipsychotic medications and complementary therapies impact quality of life and symptom reduction in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: An integrative, descriptive, and qualitative literature review was conducted using articles published between 2019 and 2024, selected from the SciELO and LILACS databases, in both Portuguese and English. The following descriptors were used: schizophrenia, antipsychotics, complementary therapies, and quality of life. Full-text studies addressing combinations of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions were included. Results: Thirteen studies were analyzed, investigating novel pharmacological agents (SEP-363856, KarXT, emraclidine), non-pharmacological interventions (deep brain stimulation, physical exercise, ketogenic diet), and personalized strategies (pharmacogenomics). Findings indicate short-term efficacy (4–6 weeks) in reducing psychotic symptoms and agitation, as well as long-term benefits in relapse prevention and improved quality of life through maintenance antipsychotic treatment. Nonetheless, challenges remain, including adverse effects and treatment adherence. Final considerations: Combined therapeutic interventions demonstrate superiority over monotherapy by providing significant improvements in clinical and functional outcomes. However, further longitudinal studies are needed to better elucidate these effects and optimize the safety profile of such interventions.
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