Algorithms in psychiatry: state of the art

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. 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. A MEDLINE and KOBSON search was conducted combining the following key words and phrases: "treatment guidelines"; "algorithms"; "psychiatry"; "bipolar"; "depression"; "schizophrenia". We investigated the advantages and disadvantages of algorithms presented in the publications we found in our search. 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.