Addressing Patients' Unmet Needs to Improve Outcomes in Schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a severe, lifelong disorder that affects cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functioning. Many individuals living with schizophrenia experience numerous relapses and ongoing impairment. Adverse effects are a frequent reason for medication nonadherence among patients with schizophrenia, and nonadherence is the single biggest risk factor for relapse. This Academic Highlights addresses best practices for improving adherence and outcomes for people living with schizophrenia, including lessening the side effect burden and providing comprehensive, patient-centric care. Simplifying the medication regimen, using shared decision-making, and offering psychosocial interventions are strategies that may contribute to better outcomes.