Brainstorms December 15, 2004

Preemptive Analgesia: Is Pain Less Costly When You Pre-Pay For It?

Stephen M. Stahl, MD, PhD

J Clin Psychiatry 2004;65(12):1591-1592

Article Abstract

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A novel treatment concept is evolving in psychopharmacology, namely, that the same treatments that can reduce symptoms in patients who already have a psychiatric disorder may also prevent symptoms in high-risk individuals who do not yet have a psychiatric disorder.1 Thus, the mechanism whereby symptomatic suffering is relieved may also be related to the mechanism of preventing disease progression.1 Last month we discussed how atypical antipsychotics may not only treat the symptoms of schizophrenia, but also prevent the progression of high-risk individuals to schizophrenia.2

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