Assessing and Measuring Nonresponse in Schizophrenia

Symptom resolution, relapse prevention, and recovery of function are the goals of schizophrenia treatment. Often, clinicians rely on clinical impressions and informal interviews to judge whether treatment strategies are achieving these goals. However, measurement-based rating scales can assist clinicians in diagnosing patients, as well as in assessing their treatment response, evaluating the tolerability of adverse effects, and documenting the efficacy of treatment trials. Evaluating early treatment response or nonresponse can help clinicians in formulating long-term strategies to help patients achieve optimal outcomes.