The Efficacy of Atypical Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Depressive Symptoms, Hostility, and Suicidality in Patients With Schizophrenia

Literature on the efficacy of clozapine, resperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, & ziprasidone in the treatment of depression, hostility & suicidality in patients with schizophrenia was reviewed. The studies suggest that atypical antipsychotics may exert therapeutic effects on depression & hostility as well as psychosis. Clozapine & olanzapine may reduce suicidality. These therapeutic actions appear to represent additional advantages of atyptical antipsychotics compared with standard agents.