Initial Management

• The care team engaged Max and his parents in treatment discussions, presenting LAI treatment as a way to expedite his discharge (2,3).

• Max liked this option as an opportunity to move forward with his care and began an LAI, administered every 2 weeks.

• His symptoms stabilized, allowing him to be discharged.

 

Principles of LAI Use

• Established Role in Schizophrenia Treatment: LAIs, introduced over 5 decades ago, are proven to be effective, safe, and well tolerated for early schizophrenia treatment but remain underutilized in clinical practice (4,5).

• Proactive Use: LAIs should be offered to all patients upon diagnosis, not only as a reactive solution for those with severe symptoms or adherence challenges (6,7).

• Improved Outcomes: Starting LAIs within the first 5 years of illness improves global functioning, reduces negative symptoms, and lowers suicidal ideation (8).

• Relapse Prevention: LAIs reduce relapse risk in both first-episode and chronic schizophrenia (6,9).

• Quality of Life: Even patients with good adherence can benefit from LAIs by simplifying treatment and lowering hospitalization risk (2,10,11).

​​

Long-Term Follow-Up

• Despite improved symptoms, Max initially struggled with basic tasks, spending much of his first year in bed and relying on his parents.

• He reported confusion and persistent fatigue as medication side effects.

• His care team switched him to a monthly LAI, which led to reduced lethargy and improved mental clarity.

• With improved symptom control, Max pursued academic and creative goals and now works in a fulfilling role while living independently.

​​

​