Long-Acting Injectables for Adolescents With Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

Gain valuable insights from Amber Hoberg, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Morningstar Family Medicine, as she navigates the complexities of adolescent psychosis treatment, exploring the potential benefits and considerations of long-acting injectables (LAIs) for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, while emphasizing evidence-based practice for informed decision-making. Nurse Hoberg examines LAI base molecules, medication administration, and encourages mental health professionals to do what they think is best for their patients. 

Read the Transcript:

Hi, my name is Amber Hoberg. I'm a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in San Antonio, Texas. I work for the practice Morningstar Family Medicine, where I see patients outpatient, also in group homes, nursing homes, assisted livings, and then I also work at the Baptist Health System.

So one of the questions that came in was, is there any LAI that can be given to adolescent patients for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders? There are no LAIs currently that are FDA-approved for patients under the age of 18. But with that being said, you really need to look at the overlying molecule. So we have aripiprazole, molecular structures. We also have paliperidone, as well as risperidone-type molecule structures. And so going back to the evidence base and looking at the actual administration of that particular medicine and where is that appropriate to be used.

Therefore you could use your evidence-based practice in trying to make the best decision for your patient if maybe giving one of these medications can be beneficial for your patients. Thank you so much for joining us. I'm Amber Hoberg and we will see you again soon.

Amber Hoberg, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner from University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. She has been working for the past 12 years with the adult and geriatric populations, treating all types of psychiatric conditions. Her background, as a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse, includes outpatient, inpatient, group home, and nursing home/ALF settings. She currently works for Baptist Health System and Morning Star Family Medicine PLLC treating the chronically mentally ill in both inpatient and outpatient settings.