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Schizophrenia with medication nonadherence — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModeratePsychiatrySchizophrenia with medication nonadherenceUSMLE Step 3

A 26-year-old man with schizophrenia has been hospitalized twice this year after stopping oral risperidone. He improves with risperidone each time but says he forgets pills when he returns to work. He has no current substance use and is not suicidal. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

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Correct answer: D — Offer a long-acting injectable antipsychotic formulation

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics are appropriate for patients with schizophrenia who respond to antipsychotics but relapse due to nonadherence.

Reference: APA/ACP psychiatric treatment guidance