Conference paper

ALGORITHMS IN PSYCHIATRY: STATE OF THE ART

Miroslava Jašović-Gašić ; School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia, , Academy of Medical Science, Serbian Medical Society, Belgrade, Serbia
Bojana Dunjic-Kostić ; Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
Maja Pantović ; Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
Tijana Cvetić ; Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
Nadja P. Marić ; School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia, , Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
Aleksandar A. Jovanović ; School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia, , Clinic of Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia

Abstract

Introduction: In literature, algorithms (guidelines) are often synonymous with problem-solving procedures. The importance of
using algorithms in psychiatry can be seen in many areas. For physicians, algorithms ease clinical decision making, provide an
adequate clinical basis for therapy, stimulate research, and stimulate sources of financing. For users of psychiatric services,
algorithms tailor treatment to the individual, enhance the standard of care by using efficient therapeutic techniques, improve
outcome, cut costs, and provide continuity of care after hospital treatment.
Aim: Our goal with this paper is to present the advantages of using algorithms, but also to advise caution in their application. It
is important to be aware and critical of limitations present in algorithm use.
Methods: A MEDLINE and KOBSON search was conducted combining the following key words and phrases: “treatment
guidelines”; “algorithms”; “psychiatry”; “bipolar”; “depression”; “schizophrenia”.
Results: We investigated the advantages and disadvantages of algorithms presented in the publications we found in our search.
Conclusion: We consider algorithms to be a necessary component in the treatment of psychiatric patients, but recommend that
one should maintain a critical attitude and remember that guideline proposed therapy should always be tailored to the individual.

Keywords

algorithms – guidelines – psychiatry – schizophrenia – bipolar disorder – depression

Hrčak ID:

161207

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/161207

Publication date:

17.9.2013.

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