Abstract
Aim of the studyThere are different schizophrenia treatment approaches used to manage the disorder. The objective of this study is to show that the multi-criteria decision-making approach can be applied for selecting the most appropriate schizophrenia treatment. We propose the use of the fuzzy Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment of Evaluations (PROMETHEE) technique for evaluating and comparing schizophrenia treatment techniques.Subject or material and methodsThe most commonly used therapy techniques for schizophrenia, namely pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoeducation program, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy were selected. The side effects, efficacy, time of treatment, cost of treatment, and comfort level were used as the criteria for the analysis. Criteria weights and preference function were used while computing the difference of alternatives contribution. After defining the values of each criteria, we set the weights and the preference function, and finally obtained the results with the Decision Lab program for two different cases: high importance is given to the efficacy, side effects, and patient comfort; the same level of importance is given to all criteria.ResultsThe results show that pharmacotherapy is the most preferred technique in both cases, while other techniques have different stages in the complete ranking based on the assigned weights.DiscussionOne can easily adapt more treatment techniques and criteria and assign their weights based on a specific patient profile.Conclusionshe proposed technique for the decision-making process is an important tool that can be considered by clinicians as well as patients/families in selecting the most appropriate treatment technique.
Highlights
There are 26 million schizophrenia patients around the globe [1]
We propose the use of fuzzy PROMETHEE to evaluate, compare, and find the most appropriate treatment techniques for schizophrenia
We propose the use of the fuzzy PROMETHEE method to evaluate the treatment techniques of schizophrenia
Summary
There are 26 million schizophrenia patients around the globe [1]. Annually, it is estimated that 1 in 4,000 individuals are schizophren-In 2013, the US government spent 155.2 billion dollars on the treatment of schizophrenia and its complications [6]. Detection and treatment of schizophrenia is important for reducing the negative impact on the process of disorder management and in achieving good prognosis outcomes [7]. There are classes of schizophrenia treatment approaches, including antipsychotic drugs, psychotherapy, psychosocial and the newly emerged transcranial magnetic extended brain stimulation. The pharmacological treatment includes the first and second-generation antipsychotic medicines. Once a patient is diagnosed, the targets of the treatment are firstly identified. Treatment targets may include positive and/or negative symptoms such as hallucinations, losing interest in life, and a range of potential community adjustment problems. A treatment plan is formulated and implemented. This formulation includes the selection of the treatment methods and the treatment setting
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
