Web-based Treatment Algorithms for Schizophrenia, PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Substance Abuse

The International Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project (IPAP) is “a not-for-profit corporation established with the purpose of bringing together experts in psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and algorithm design to enable, enhance, and propagate the use of algorithms for the systematic treatment of major Axis I psychiatric disorders. The approach is polythetic with a central psychiatric focus, utilizing other relevant fields including data modeling, information science (informatics) cognitive science and general medicine.”

IPAP algorithms and other content are provided only to registered users; however, registration is free and takes only a minute or two to complete.

After registering with IPAP and logging in to the website, users can access algorithms for the treatment of schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and substance abuse (cocaine, alcohol, nicotine, and opioids).

The schizophrenia algorithm includes flowcharts, nodes, and references that can be downloaded separately or together as a resource bundle. Users will also find information about the side effects of antipsychotic drugs and commentary on the implications of CATIE phase I results for the IPAP schizophrenia algorithm. A collection of supporting articles and other material is also provided.

The PTSD flowcharts and notes have been translated into several versions, including Thai, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, and Bahasa. The GAD algorithm materials are also available in Chinese- and Spanish-language versions.

There are two main components to the substance abuse algorithm: “General Considerations” and “Presence of Co-occurring Psychiatric Illness.” Users can also download separate algorithms and notes for alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and opioid abuse.