Challenge to atypical thinking

Clozapine, a second generation (atypical) antipsychotic, has been restricted to third-line use in conjunction with a stringent risk management program due to its side effect profile. But new data showing a mortality benefit from its use raises the question of whether the drug should be prescribed more often, as well as whether that should be accomplished by changing the risk management program or the third-line indication.

The study's authors, who were led by Jari Tiihonen, professor and chair of forensic psychiatry at the University of Kuopio, suggest that the risk management program be relaxed in order to encourage more use...