Blonanserin,a second-generation atypical antipsychotic agent,acts as an antagonist for dopamine D2,D3,and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.Clinical studies have demonstrated that blonanserin is non-inferior to other antipsychotics,such as haloperidol and risperidone,in alleviating the symptoms of schizophrenia.Moreover,it exhib-its beneficial effects on cognitive symptoms and social functioning,with a favorable safety profile,making it one of the key treatment options for schizophrenia.With extensive clinical experience accumulated in China,this expert consensus aims to provide psychiatrists with updated and localized guidance on the optimal use of blonan-serin.Based on a systematic review of the latest evidence-particularly studies in Chinese population,this paper pres-ents the updated Chinese expert recommendations for the clinical use of blonanserin in 2024.

Deutetrabenazine(DTBZ)is a selective oral small molecule inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter 2(VMAT2).Its pharmacological action works by inhibiting VMAT2,thereby reducing the release of presynaptic dopamine and alleviating tardive dyskinesia symptoms caused by long-term use of dopamine receptor antagonists.Compared with tetrabenazine,DTBZ has longer half-life,lower peak plasma concentration,and smaller plasma concentration fluctuations.Clinical studies demonstrate that DTBZ significantly improves abnormal involuntary movement in patients with tardive dyskinesia and has a favourable safety profile.Based on available clinical evidence and practical experience,this paper discuss the common questions about DTBZ including the suitable population,dose,duration of treatment,combination administration with antipsychotics,efficacy assessment and application in special populations.This article aimed to provide guidance and recommendations on clinical application of DTBZ for clinicians.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating mental disorder.Around 20%to 40%of patients do not respond well to normal antipsychotic medication,and are ultimately diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia(TRS),representing the most severe and challenging form of schizophrenia.Currently,clozapine is the standard treatment for TRS.Early identification and standardized treatment can be beneficial to patients with TRS by controlling acute-phase symptoms as soon as possible,reducing suicidal rate and improving their quality of life.Under the guidance of the Steering Committee,this consensus was formed after multiple discussions by 30 psychiatric experts and anonymous Delphi surveys including 17 consensus opinions on treatment-resistant schizophrenia,which cover risk factors and prevention,diagnosis and evaluation,standardized clozapine treatment and management of adverse reactions,treatment regimens for clozapine resistance and intolerance,and psychosocial intervention,etc.The consensus-making process also incorporated evidence-based medicine to help standardize and guide diagnosis and treatment for adults with TRS in China.

Blonanserin,a second-generation atypical antipsychotic agent,acts as an antagonist for dopamine D2,D3,and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.Clinical studies have demonstrated that blonanserin is non-inferior to other antipsychotics,such as haloperidol and risperidone,in alleviating the symptoms of schizophrenia.Moreover,it exhib-its beneficial effects on cognitive symptoms and social functioning,with a favorable safety profile,making it one of the key treatment options for schizophrenia.With extensive clinical experience accumulated in China,this expert consensus aims to provide psychiatrists with updated and localized guidance on the optimal use of blonan-serin.Based on a systematic review of the latest evidence-particularly studies in Chinese population,this paper pres-ents the updated Chinese expert recommendations for the clinical use of blonanserin in 2024.

Deutetrabenazine(DTBZ)is a selective oral small molecule inhibitor of vesicular monoamine transporter 2(VMAT2).Its pharmacological action works by inhibiting VMAT2,thereby reducing the release of presynaptic dopamine and alleviating tardive dyskinesia symptoms caused by long-term use of dopamine receptor antagonists.Compared with tetrabenazine,DTBZ has longer half-life,lower peak plasma concentration,and smaller plasma concentration fluctuations.Clinical studies demonstrate that DTBZ significantly improves abnormal involuntary movement in patients with tardive dyskinesia and has a favourable safety profile.Based on available clinical evidence and practical experience,this paper discuss the common questions about DTBZ including the suitable population,dose,duration of treatment,combination administration with antipsychotics,efficacy assessment and application in special populations.This article aimed to provide guidance and recommendations on clinical application of DTBZ for clinicians.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and debilitating mental disorder.Around 20%to 40%of patients do not respond well to normal antipsychotic medication,and are ultimately diagnosed with treatment-resistant schizophrenia(TRS),representing the most severe and challenging form of schizophrenia.Currently,clozapine is the standard treatment for TRS.Early identification and standardized treatment can be beneficial to patients with TRS by controlling acute-phase symptoms as soon as possible,reducing suicidal rate and improving their quality of life.Under the guidance of the Steering Committee,this consensus was formed after multiple discussions by 30 psychiatric experts and anonymous Delphi surveys including 17 consensus opinions on treatment-resistant schizophrenia,which cover risk factors and prevention,diagnosis and evaluation,standardized clozapine treatment and management of adverse reactions,treatment regimens for clozapine resistance and intolerance,and psychosocial intervention,etc.The consensus-making process also incorporated evidence-based medicine to help standardize and guide diagnosis and treatment for adults with TRS in China.

Although social cognitive impairment is commonly observed in patients with schizophrenia, how to effectively assess it and the clinical value of such evaluations warrant further discussion. In 2022, the release of the "European Psychiatric Association guidance on assessment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia" provided guidance for research and clinical practices in this field. This article aims to analyze the necessity, effectiveness, and feasibility of conducting assessments in clinical settings based on the recommended approaches outlined in the guidance, considering the current clinical landscape in China.

Although cognitive impairment is considered a core symptom of schizophrenia and significantly impacts functional outcomes, it is often overlooked in clinical practice. The European Psychiatric Association released “Guideline on Assessment of Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia” in 2022, providing recommendations for research and clinical practice. This paper interprets the neurocognitive aspects of schizophrenia covered in the guidelines, introduces neurocognitive assessment tools used in China and their application settings, examines the relationship between subjective and objective assessments of cognitive impairment, and briefly discusses the connections between neurocognition and positive and negative symptoms. The paper also considers the future development of neurocognitive assessment tools in China.

Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia emerges early and persists, is a core symptom that severely affects social functioning. In 2022, the European Psychiatric Association published the " European Psychiatric Association guidance on assessment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia", presenting the latest evidence and systematic review results. The guidance recommends comprehensive and detailed cognitive assessments for all individuals with schizophrenia, emphasizing the phase of early intervention. In conjunction with the recommendations of the guidance and the current state of research both domestically and internationally, this article provides an overview of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia, including definition, impact, selection of assessment tools, and limitations of cognitive assessments. It also connects with clinical practice in China, outlining the development and shortcomings of cognitive assessments for schizophrenia. It is suggested that a clinically simple questionnaire suitable for the Chinese population is needed to help physicians quickly identify cognitive impairment.

Cognitive impairment is one of the core features of schizophrenia and severely affects the prognosis of the disorder. Improving cognitive impairment is of great significance for alleviating symptoms, preventing relapses, enhancing the quality of life, and reducing the social burden in patients with schizophrenia. Based on the "Guidelines for the Assessment of Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia" published by the European Psychiatric Association in 2022, the article focuses on the intervention and management of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia patients following a systematic assessment, while also considering the specific context of practice in China. This paper reviews recent progress in cognitive impairment interventions for schizophrenia, providing clinical guidance across three key aspects: pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and psychotherapy. Other interventions are also discussed. Additionally, it addresses the existing challenges and unresolved issues, aiming to provide a basis for decision-making in the current treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia.