Deprescribing Definitions and Decisions Differ by Diagnosis: A Deep Dive for Bipolar & Schizophrenia Disorders

Deprescribing has evolved from a strategy focused on the problem of burden of multiple medication regimens among chronically ill elderly to a broader clinical approach aimed at reducing unnecessary or burdensome psychotropic treatment. As interest grows, clinicians face important questions about who an appropriate candidate is, when deprescribing should be prioritized, and how to anticipate risks during medication reduction. This session explores how deprescribing decisions differ by diagnosis, with a focused comparison of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Faculty will examine how patterns of polypharmacy, treatment goals, and risk–benefit considerations vary across these conditions, and how those differences shape rational deprescribing strategies. Participants will gain a clearer framework for making diagnosis-specific deprescribing decisions while maintaining clinical stability and long-term outcomes.