Prof Bernhard Baune, Ph.D., MD, MPH, FRANZCP, holds the Cato Chair and is Head of Psychiatry at the  University of Melbourne. In 2011, he was appointed as Chair of Psychiatry and Head of Discipline of Psychiatry at the University of Adelaide. Under his leadership, psychiatry research at the University of Adelaide gained international recognition for excellence in neuroimmunology and genomics of mental disorders, and for innovation in molecular and clinical underpinnings of personalized psychiatry. Prof Baune has authored or co-authored 204  peer-reviewed publications and 14 book chapters. 

Author Quotes  

I think it’s important to look at antipsychotics medications like lurasidone and others which improve overall health outcomes, not just the positive and negative symptoms or antidepressant symptoms.

Looking at one metabolic component only will not really inform the overall picture. Therefore, we need to tick the box for various tests to get a global picture, and that’s been recommended at least twice per year.

The key clinical question is, ‘what is the ratio between the benefit and the risk?’

Summary and slides  

Professor Baune talks about the effectiveness of lurasidone in improving overall health outcomes. He re-states the importance of treating schizophrenia holistically and summarises the variety of treatment options available.   Finally, Professor Baune talks about the importance of good communication between psychiatrists and GP’s and says that together they should decide who should monitor patient outcomes. Concluding this presentation, he ends with a Question & Answer session with the audience. 

Take-home Points  

• Carefully considering treatment options such as lurasidone and other antipsychotics can improve schizophrenia symptoms as well as improving overall health outcomes. 
• Monitoring patients properly allows clinicians to make the best treatment choices. 
• Good communication between psychiatrists and GPs is crucial for determining who will monitor patients, and how often. 

Quiz

Learn more

1. Management of Metabolic Risk Associated With Antipsychotics By Prof Bernhard Baune
2. Antidepressants, Antipsychotics and Cognitive Remediation in Schizophrenia by Prof Bernhard Baune
3. Management of Schizophrenia and Common Comorbidities by Prof Bernhard Baune
4. Antipsychotics and the Link Between Metabolic Syndrome and Schizophrenia By Prof Bernhard Baune

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