Precision medicine and schizophrenia: Pitfalls, promises, and policy implications

Edited by: SRIJA SEENIVASAN1 AND JENNIFER A. CASCINO2

Schizophrenia, a chronic mental illness impacting thoughts, emotions, and behavior, currently lacks personalized treatment plans. This paper explores how precision medicine, leveraging advancements in pharmacogenetics, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience, can revolutionize diagnosis and improve outcomes for patients with this disorder. While promising, there are challenges and policy implications that emerge from a precision medicine approach, including legal issues related to data privacy and equitable access to treatment plans. This framework offers a realistic path forward for personalized care in schizophrenia, potentially leading to improved management of symptoms and better quality of life for patients.

Highlights

1. Precision medicine initiatives have the potential to improve the diagnostic and treatment outcomes for patients with schizophrenia.

2. Biomarkers and pharmacogenetics can be leveraged to personalize symptom management as part of clinical practice, while targeted neuroimaging and neurostimulation approaches are under active investigation.

3. The use of precision medicine for schizophrenia presents many regulatory, ethical, and equity issues.

4. Robust policies will be needed for the successful implementation of precision medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia.

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