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Ying J, Chew QH, Wang Y, Sim K. Global Neuropsychopharmacological Prescription Trends in Adults with Schizophrenia, Clinical Correlates and Implications for Practice: A Scoping Review. Brain Sci 2023; 14:6. [PMID: 38275511 PMCID: PMC10813099 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
It is important to examine the psychotropic prescription practices in schizophrenia, as it can inform regarding changing treatment choices and related patient profiles. No recent reviews have evaluated the global neuropsychopharmacological prescription patterns in adults with schizophrenia. A systematic search of the literature published from 2002 to 2023 found 88 empirical papers pertinent to the utilization of psychotropic agents. Globally, there were wide inter-country and inter-regional variations in the prescription of psychotropic agents. Overall, over time there was an absolute increase in the prescription rate of second-generation antipsychotics (up to 50%), mood stabilizers (up to 15%), and antidepressants (up to 17%), with an observed absolute decrease in the rate of antipsychotic polypharmacy (up to 15%), use of high dose antipsychotic (up to 12% in Asia), clozapine (up to 9%) and antipsychotic long-acting injectables (up to 10%). Prescription patterns were mainly associated with specific socio-demographic (such as age), illness (such as illness duration), and treatment factors (such as adherence). Further work, including more evidence in adjunctive neuropsychopharmacological treatments, pharmaco-economic considerations, and examination of cohorts in prospective studies, can proffer insights into changing prescription trends relevant to different treatment settings and predictors of such trends for enhancement of clinical management in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangbo Ying
- East Region, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore
| | - Qian Hui Chew
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore
| | - Yuxi Wang
- East Region, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore
| | - Kang Sim
- West Region, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore 539747, Singapore
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Edlinger M, Welte AS, Yalcin-Siedentopf N, Kemmler G, Neymeyer F, Fleischhacker WW, Hofer A. Trends in pharmacological emergency treatment of patients suffering from schizophrenia over a 16-year observation period. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2018; 33:197-203. [PMID: 29664808 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0000000000000220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Patients suffering from schizophrenia are often treated in locked psychiatric units because of psychomotor agitation, hostility and aggressive behavior, or suicidality. Because of legal conditions, investigations on these acutely ill patients are difficult, and many studies do not represent 'real-life psychiatry'. This retrospective survey was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics of the Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria. Data were collected from the records of all adult inpatients suffering from a schizophrenia spectrum disorder according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th ed. (ICD-10) (F2x) who had been admitted to a locked unit in 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012. In addition to demographic data, diagnoses at the time of admission, length of stay at the locked unit, and psychopharmacological treatment (3 h before and following admission) were recorded. The mean length of stay at a locked unit decreased significantly from 11.8±4.43 days (mean±SD) in 1997 to 8.5±12.96 days (mean±SD) in 2012. The use of antipsychotics decreased nonsignificantly from 1997 to 2012. Despite an increasing use of second compared with first-generation antipsychotic drugs over the course of time, haloperidol was the most frequently used single compound in all investigated years except 2012. The majority of medications were administered orally. The use of benzodiazepines did not change substantially over the course of time. All in all, pharmacological emergency treatment of patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders in locked units was in line with current treatment guidelines, which recommend the use of second-generation antipsychotic drugs, monotherapy, oral application, and cautious dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Edlinger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Citrome L, McEvoy JP, Saklad SR. A Guide to the Management of Clozapine-Related Tolerability and Safety Concerns. CLINICAL SCHIZOPHRENIA & RELATED PSYCHOSES 2016:CSRP.SACI.070816. [PMID: 27454214 DOI: 10.3371/csrp.saci.070816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Clozapine is a highly effective antipsychotic medication, which provides a range of significant benefits for patients with schizophrenia, and is the standard of care for treatment-resistant schizophrenia as well as for reducing the risk of suicidal behaviors in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. However, clozapine is widely underutilized, largely because prescribing clinicians lack experience in prescribing it and managing its adverse events (AEs). Clozapine is associated with 3 uncommon but immediately dangerous AEs, agranulocytosis, myocarditis/cardiomyopathy, and seizures, as well as AEs that may become dangerous if neglected, including weight gain, metabolic syndrome and constipation, and others that are annoying or distressing such as sedation, nighttime enuresis and hypersalivation. Because of the risk of agranulocytosis, clozapine formulations are available only through restricted distribution via a patient registry, with mandatory, systematized monitoring for absolute neutrophil count using a specific algorithm. We identified articles on managing clozapine-associated AEs by searching PubMed using appropriate keywords and search techniques for each topic. A review of the prevalence and clinical characteristics of clozapine-associated AEs shows that these risks can be managed efficiently and effectively. The absolute risks for both agranulocytosis and myocarditis/cardiomyopathy are low, diminish after the first 6 months, and are further reduced with appropriate monitoring. Weight gain/metabolic disorders and constipation, which develop more gradually, can be mitigated with regular monitoring and timely interventions. Sedation, hypersalivation, and enuresis are common but manageable with ameliorative measures and/or medications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephen R Saklad
- 3 College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- 4 Pharmacotherapy Education and Research Center, UT Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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The impact of a change in prescribing policy on antipsychotic prescribing in a general adult psychiatric hospital. Ir J Psychol Med 2015; 32:359-360. [PMID: 30185253 DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2014.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Berna F, Misdrahi D, Boyer L, Aouizerate B, Brunel L, Capdevielle D, Chereau I, Danion JM, Dorey JM, Dubertret C, Dubreucq J, Faget C, Gabayet F, Lancon C, Mallet J, Rey R, Passerieux C, Schandrin A, Schurhoff F, Tronche AM, Urbach M, Vidailhet P, Llorca PM, Fond G, Berna F, Blanc O, Brunel L, Bulzacka E, Capdevielle D, Chereau-Boudet I, Chesnoy-Servanin G, Danion J, D'Amato T, Deloge A, Delorme C, Denizot H, De Pradier M, Dorey J, Dubertret C, Dubreucq J, Faget C, Fluttaz C, Fond G, Fonteneau S, Gabayet F, Giraud-Baro E, Hardy-Bayle M, Lacelle D, Lançon C, Laouamri H, Leboyer M, Le Gloahec T, Le Strat Y, Llorca P, Mallet J, Metairie E, Misdrahi D, Offerlin-Meyer I, Passerieux C, Peri P, Pires S, Portalier C, Rey R, Roman C, Sebilleau M, Schandrin A, Schurhoff F, Tessier A, Tronche A, Urbach M, Vaillant F, Vehier A, Vidailhet P, Vilain J, Vilà E, Yazbek H, Zinetti-Bertschy A. Akathisia: prevalence and risk factors in a community-dwelling sample of patients with schizophrenia. Results from the FACE-SZ dataset. Schizophr Res 2015; 169:255-261. [PMID: 26589388 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of akathisia in a community-dwelling sample of patients with schizophrenia, and to determine the effects of treatments and the clinical variables associated with akathisia. 372 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were systematically included in the network of FondaMental Expert Center for Schizophrenia and assessed with validated scales. Akathisia was measured with the Barnes Akathisia Scale (BAS). Ongoing psychotropic treatment was recorded. The global prevalence of akathisia (as defined by a score of 2 or more on the global akathisia subscale of the BAS) in our sample was 18.5%. Patients who received antipsychotic polytherapy were at higher risk of akathisia and this result remained significant (adjusted odd ratio=2.04, p=.025) after controlling the influence of age, gender, level of education, level of psychotic symptoms, substance use comorbidities, current administration of antidepressant, anticholinergic drugs, benzodiazepines, and daily-administered antipsychotic dose. The combination of second-generation antipsychotics was associated with a 3-fold risk of akathisia compared to second-generation antipsychotics used in monotherapy. Our results indicate that antipsychotic polytherapy should be at best avoided and suggest that monotherapy should be recommended in cases of akathisia. Long-term administration of benzodiazepines or anticholinergic drugs does not seem to be advisable in cases of akathisia, given the potential side effects of these medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Berna
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - D Misdrahi
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux; CNRS UMR 5287-INCIA
| | - L Boyer
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Pôle psychiatrie universitaire, CHU Sainte-Marguerite, F-13274, Marseille cedex 09, France
| | - B Aouizerate
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, F-33076 Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux; Inserm, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U862, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - L Brunel
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; INSERM U955, équipe de psychiatrie translationnelle, Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est Créteil, DHU Pe-PSY, Pôle de Psychiatrie des Hôpitaux Universitaires H Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - D Capdevielle
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, Hôpital la Colombière, CHRU Montpellier, Université Montpellier 1, Inserm 1061, Montpellier, France
| | - I Chereau
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; CMP B, CHU, EA 7280 Faculté de Médecine, Université d'Auvergne, BP 69 63003 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - J M Danion
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - J M Dorey
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1/Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier Pole Est BP 300 39 - 95 bd Pinel - 69678 BRON Cedex, France
| | - C Dubertret
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; AP-HP, Department of Psychiatry, Louis Mourier Hospital, Colombes, Inserm U894, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de médecine, France
| | - J Dubreucq
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Centre Référent de Réhabilitation Psychosociale, CH Alpes Isère, Grenoble, France
| | - C Faget
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), pôle universitaire de psychiatrie, Marseille, France
| | - F Gabayet
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Centre Référent de Réhabilitation Psychosociale, CH Alpes Isère, Grenoble, France
| | - C Lancon
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), pôle universitaire de psychiatrie, Marseille, France
| | - J Mallet
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; AP-HP, Department of Psychiatry, Louis Mourier Hospital, Colombes, Inserm U894, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de médecine, France
| | - R Rey
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1/Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier Pole Est BP 300 39 - 95 bd Pinel - 69678 BRON Cedex, France
| | - C Passerieux
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Service de psychiatrie d'adulte, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, Versailles, France
| | - A Schandrin
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, Hôpital la Colombière, CHRU Montpellier, Université Montpellier 1, Inserm 1061, Montpellier, France
| | - F Schurhoff
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; INSERM U955, équipe de psychiatrie translationnelle, Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est Créteil, DHU Pe-PSY, Pôle de Psychiatrie des Hôpitaux Universitaires H Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - A M Tronche
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; CMP B, CHU, EA 7280 Faculté de Médecine, Université d'Auvergne, BP 69 63003 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - M Urbach
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Service de psychiatrie d'adulte, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, UFR des Sciences de la Santé Simone Veil, Université Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, Versailles, France
| | - P Vidailhet
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, INSERM U1114, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - P M Llorca
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; CMP B, CHU, EA 7280 Faculté de Médecine, Université d'Auvergne, BP 69 63003 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - G Fond
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; INSERM U955, équipe de psychiatrie translationnelle, Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est Créteil, DHU Pe-PSY, Pôle de Psychiatrie des Hôpitaux Universitaires H Mondor, Créteil, France
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Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy remains prevalent; it has probably increased for the treatment of schizophrenia in real-world clinical settings. The current evidence suggests some clinical benefits of antipsychotic polypharmacy, such as better symptom control with clozapine plus another antipsychotic, and a reversal of metabolic side-effects with a concomitant use of aripiprazole. On the other hand, the interpretation of findings in the literature should be made conservatively in light of the paucity of good studies and potentially serious side-effects. Also, although the available data are still limited, two smaller-scale clinical trials provide preliminary evidence that converting antipsychotic polypharmacy to monotherapy could be a valid and reasonable treatment option. Several studies have explored strategies to change physicians' antipsychotic polypharmacy prescribing behaviours. These have revealed that, while the impact of purely educational interventions may be limited, more aggressive procedures such as directly notifying physicians by letters or phone calls can be more effective in reducing antipsychotic polypharmacy. In conclusion, antipsychotic polypharmacy can work for some clinically difficult conditions; however, it should be the exception rather than the rule and may be avoidable in many patients. More importantly, the paucity of the data clearly emphasizes the need for further investigations on not only advantages and disadvantages of antipsychotic polypharmacy, but also regarding effective interventions in already prescribed polypharmacy regimens.
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The impact of a change in prescribing policy on antipsychotic prescribing in a general adult psychiatric hospital. Ir J Psychol Med 2014; 31:167-173. [PMID: 30189484 DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2014.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the impact of a change in local prescribing policy on the adherence to evidence-based prescribing guidelines for antipsychotic medication in a general adult psychiatric hospital. METHODS All adult in-patients had their clinical record and medication sheet reviewed. Antipsychotic prescribed, dose prescribed and documented indications for prescribing were recorded. This was done before and after the implementation of the change in hospital antipsychotic prescribing policy. RESULTS There were no significant differences in age, sex, Mental Health Act status, psychiatric diagnosis or documented indications for prescribing multiple or high dose antipsychotics between the two groups. There was an increase in the preferential prescribing of multiple second-generation antipsychotics (p=0.01) in the context of a significant reduction in the prescribing of multiple antipsychotics overall (p=0.02). There were no significant reductions in prescribing of mixed generations of antipsychotics (p=0.12), high dose antipsychotics (p=1.00) or as required (PRN) antipsychotics (p=0.74). CONCLUSIONS Changes in local prescribing policy can improve adherence to quality prescribing guidelines and cause clinically significant improvements in patterns of prescribing in a general adult psychiatric hospital.
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Hatta K, Ito H. Strategies for Early Non-response to Antipsychotic Drugs in the Treatment of Acute-phase Schizophrenia. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2014; 12:1-7. [PMID: 24851115 PMCID: PMC4022761 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2014.12.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
As a strategy for antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia, monotherapy is clearly optimal when both effective and tolerated. When a patient fails to respond to an adequate dose of an antipsychotic, alternatives include switching, administering a higher dose (above the licensed dose), polypharmacy or clozapine. Clozapine is the only option with established efficacy, but is less manageable than other antipsychotics. We therefore reviewed other options, focusing on the treatment of acute-phase schizophrenia. According to recent evidence, an antipsychotic may be viewed as ineffective within 1-4 weeks in acute-phase practice, although some differences may exist among antipsychotics. Whether a switching strategy is effective might depend on the initial antipsychotic and which antipsychotic is switched to. As weak evidence points toward augmentation being superior to continuation of the initial antipsychotic, inclusion of augmentation arms in larger studies comparing strategies for early non-responders in the acute-phase is justified. With respect to high-doses, little evidence is available regarding acute-phase treatment, and the issue remains controversial. Although evidence for antipsychotic switching, augmentation, and high-doses has gradually been accumulating, more studies performed in real clinical practice with minimal bias are required to establish strategies for early non-response to an antipsychotic drug in the treatment of acute-phase schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Hatta
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroto Ito
- Department of Social Psychiatry, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
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Ziprasidone as Adjunctive Therapy in Severe Bipolar Patients Treated with Clozapine. ISRN PSYCHIATRY 2014; 2014:904829. [PMID: 25006524 PMCID: PMC4003829 DOI: 10.1155/2014/904829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aim. To confirm the efficacy and tolerability of ziprasidone as adjunctive therapy in bipolar patients partially responding to clozapine or with persisting negative symptoms, overweight, or with metabolic syndrome. Methods. Eight patients with psychotic bipolar disorder were tested with the BPRS, the HAM-D, and the CGI at T0 and retested after 2 weeks (T1). Plasma clozapine and norclozapine levels and BMI were tested at T0 and T1. Results. Ziprasidone was well tolerated by all the patients. BPRS and HAM-D scores were reduced in all patients. BMI was reduced in patients with a BMI at T0 higher than 25. Plasma levels of clozapine and norclozapine showed an irregular course.
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Sarkar P, Chakraborty K, Misra A, Shukla R, Swain SP. Pattern of psychotropic prescription in a tertiary care center: a critical analysis. Indian J Pharmacol 2014; 45:270-3. [PMID: 23833371 PMCID: PMC3696299 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.111947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To study the prescription pattern of psychotropic drugs in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India with special reference to polypharmacy. Materials and Methods: A total of 411 patients were included in the study through systematic sampling. Patients were diagnosed by a Consultant Psychiatrist before inclusion in the study using a semi-structured interview schedule based on the International Classification of Disease (ICD), classification of mental and behavioral disorders, 10th version). The most recently prescribed psychopharmacological medication of those patients was studied. A checklist to assess the pattern of prescription and evaluate reasons of polypharmacy was filled up by the prescribing consultant. Results: About 76.6% of the patients received polypharmacy in the index study. Males were more exposed to polypharmacy compared to women (80.93% vs. 70.85%). Gender and diagnosis had a predictive value with regard to the polypharmacy. Polypharmacy was more common in organic mental disorders (F0), psychoactive substance abuse disorders (F1), psychotic disorders (F2), mood disorders (F3) and in childhood, and adolescent mental disorders (F9). Most frequently, antipsychotic drugs were prescribed followed by tranquilizers/hypnotics and anticholinergics. Antidepressants (35.13%) were more commonly prescribed as monotherapy. Anticholinergics (100%) and tranquilizers/hypnotics (96.7%) were the drugs more commonly used in combination with other psychotropics. The three most common reasons for prescribing polypharmacy were augmentation (43.8%) of primary drug followed by its use to prevent adverse effects of primary drug (39.6%) and to treat comorbidity (34.9%). Conclusions: Polypharmacy is a common practice despite the research based guidelines suggest otherwise. More vigorous research is needed to address this sensitive issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinaki Sarkar
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and J.N.M. Hospital, West Bengal University of Health Sciences, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
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Citrome L, Kantrowitz JT. Olanzapine dosing above the licensed range is more efficacious than lower doses: fact or fiction? Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 9:1045-58. [DOI: 10.1586/ern.09.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Description of long-term polypharmacy among schizophrenia outpatients. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2013; 48:631-8. [PMID: 23007295 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-012-0586-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This large nationwide study describes the prevalence and predictors of long-term antipsychotic polypharmacy among patients with schizophrenia. METHODS A register-based longitudinal study of all people in Finland, who had at least one hospitalization due to schizophrenia during the years 2000-2007 and who were alive on March 1, 2007. Entry to the cohort was defined from the first hospitalization for schizophrenia during the years 2000-2007, and the date of assessment of antipsychotic polypharmacy was March 1, 2007. We studied separately chronic (N = 8,037) and recent onset (N = 8,046) schizophrenia patients. Antipsychotic polypharmacy was defined as overlapping of two or more filled prescriptions of antipsychotics for over 60 days. RESULTS In a total 16,083 patients with schizophrenia the prevalence of antipsychotic polypharmacy was 46.2 % (N = 7,436, mean age 47.5 years, male 55 %). The longer the duration of schizophrenia, the more common the antipsychotic polypharmacy. Long index hospitalization and being male significantly associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy among all schizophrenia patients. Especially, in chronic schizophrenia patients, the previous use of benzodiazepine like agents was associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy, but the use of antidepressants associated with less frequent antipsychotic polypharmacy. CONCLUSIONS Antipsychotic polypharmacy was widely prevalent among patients with schizophrenia and it was associated with long hospitalizations and long duration of illness. Benzodiazepine use was associated with increased risk and antidepressant use with decreased risk of antipsychotic polypharmacy when the effect of other clinical and socioeconomic factors was adjusted. Research is needed of risks and benefits of antipsychotic polypharmacy and augmentation of antipsychotic with other psychoactive drugs.
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Kroken RA, Mellesdal LS, Wentzel-Larsen T, Jørgensen HA, Johnsen E. Time-dependent effect analysis of antipsychotic treatment in a naturalistic cohort study of patients with schizophrenia. Eur Psychiatry 2013; 27:489-95. [PMID: 21683554 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2011.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Revised: 12/18/2010] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence based treatment of schizophrenia as well as antipsychotic drug utility patterns have changed considerably in recent years and the present study aims to investigate the current level of unplanned hospital readmissions in a cohort of patients with schizophrenia, and to determine the risk-reducing effects of current antipsychotic drug treatment. METHOD An open cohort study included all consecutively discharged patients with schizophrenia in a 3-year period (n=277). The treatment-dependent variables were entered in a multivariate Cox survival analyses with time to unplanned readmission as the dependent variable. RESULTS 11.2% of patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge, and 44.8% were readmitted within 12 months. Antipsychotic monotherapy reduced the risk of readmission by 74.9%. Treatment in CMHC also had a risk-reducing effect. The prescription rate of clozapine in this sample was 10.1%. DISCUSSION The over-all level of unplanned readmissions was in correspondence with the findings of others. Current antipsychotic drug treatment independently offers strong protection against unplanned readmissions. There may be a potential for further optimalizing antipsychotic drug treatment according to treatment guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Unplanned readmissions are very common for patients with schizophrenia but antipsychotic drug treatment is associated with a strong risk-reducing effect in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Kroken
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Pb 23, 5812 Bergen, Norway.
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Hatta K, Otachi T, Sudo Y, Kuga H, Takebayashi H, Hayashi H, Ishii R, Kasuya M, Hayakawa T, Morikawa F, Hata K, Nakamura M, Usui C, Nakamura H, Hirata T, Sawa Y. A comparison between augmentation with olanzapine and increased risperidone dose in acute schizophrenia patients showing early non-response to risperidone. Psychiatry Res 2012; 198:194-201. [PMID: 22421064 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2012.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Revised: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether augmentation with olanzapine would be superior to increased risperidone dose among acute schizophrenia patients showing early non-response to risperidone. We performed a rater-blinded, randomized controlled trial at psychiatric emergency sites. Eligible patients were newly admitted patients with acute schizophrenia. Early response was defined as Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement Scale score ≤3 following 2 weeks of treatment. Early non-responders were allocated to receive either augmentation with olanzapine (RIS+OLZ group) or increased risperidone dose (RIS+RIS group). The 78 patients who completed 2 weeks of treatment were divided into 52 early responders to risperidone and 26 early non-responders to risperidone (RIS+OLZ group, n=13; RIS+RIS group, n=13). No difference in the achievement of ≥50% improvement in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total score was observed between RIS+OLZ and RIS+RIS groups. Although time to treatment discontinuation for any cause was significantly shorter in the RIS+RIS group (6.8 weeks [95% confidence interval, 5.2-8.4]) than in early responders to risperidone (8.6 weeks [7.9-9.3]; P=0.018), there was no significant difference between the RIS+OLZ group (7.9 weeks [6.3-9.5]) and early responders to risperidone. Secondary outcomes justify the inclusion of augmentation arms in additional, larger studies comparing strategies for early non-responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Hatta
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University Nerima Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
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Abstract
Antipsychotic polytherapy (APT) has evolved as a common treatment strategy at odds with recommendations from schizophrenia treatment guidelines. The literature on combinations with clozapine as a means to enhance efficacy and with aripiprazole to reduce side effects was reviewed. No solid evidence supporting antipsychotic combinations with clozapine for treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia was identified. The reason for this may be that most combinations with clozapine increase the D(2)-receptor blockade, and this strategy is probably not efficient for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Some basic and clinical evidence for the addition of aripiprazole to lower prolactin levels was identified. In conclusion, there is very limited support in the evidence for the feasibility of rational APT.
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Gallego JA, Bonetti J, Zhang J, Kane JM, Correll CU. Prevalence and correlates of antipsychotic polypharmacy: a systematic review and meta-regression of global and regional trends from the 1970s to 2009. Schizophr Res 2012; 138:18-28. [PMID: 22534420 PMCID: PMC3382997 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2012.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and correlates of antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) across decades and regions. METHODS Electronic PubMed/Google Scholar search for studies reporting on APP, published from 1970 to 05/2009. Median rates and interquartile ranges (IQR) were calculated and compared using non-parametric tests. Demographic and clinical variables were tested as correlates of APP in bivariate and meta-regression analyses. RESULTS Across 147 studies (1,418,163 participants, 82.9% diagnosed with schizophrenia [IQR=42-100%]), the median APP rate was 19.6% (IQR=12.9-35.0%). Most common combinations included first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs)+second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) (42.4%, IQR=0.0-71.4%) followed by FGAs+FGAs (19.6%, IQR=0.0-100%) and SGAs+SGAs (1.8%, IQR=0.0-28%). APP rates were not different between decades (1970-1979:28.8%, IQR=7.5-44%; 1980-1989:17.6%, IQR=10.8-38.2; 1990-1999:22.0%, IQR=11-40; 2000-2009:19.2% IQR=14.4-29.9, p=0.78), but between regions, being higher in Asia and Europe than North America, and in Asia than Oceania (p<0.001). APP increased numerically by 34% in North America from the 1980s 12.7%) to 2000s (17.0%) (p=0.94) and decreased significantly by 65% from 1980 (55.5%) to 2000 (19.2%) in Asia (p=0.03), with non-significant changes in Europe. APP was associated with inpatient status (p<0.001), use of FGAs (p<0.0001) and anticholinergics (<0.001), schizophrenia (p=0.01), less antidepressant use (p=0.02), greater LAIs use (p=0.04), shorter follow-up (p=0.001) and cross-sectional vs. longitudinal study design (p=0.03). In a meta-regression, inpatient status (p<0.0001), FGA use (0.046), and schizophrenia diagnosis (p=0.004) independently predicted APP (N=66, R(2)=0.44, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS APP is common with different rates and time trends by region over the last four decades. APP is associated with greater anticholinergic requirement, shorter observation time, greater illness severity and lower antidepressant use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A. Gallego
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, New York, USA,The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | | | - Jianping Zhang
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
| | - John M. Kane
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, New York, USA,Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA,Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY, USA,The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Christoph U. Correll
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, North Shore - Long Island Jewish Health System, Glen Oaks, New York, USA,Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA,Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY, USA,The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
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Wu CS, Lin YJ, Feng J. Trends in treatment of newly treated schizophrenia-spectrum disorder patients in Taiwan from 1999 to 2006. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2012; 21:989-96. [PMID: 22416032 DOI: 10.1002/pds.3254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Revised: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine trends in the first-year pharmacological treatment of newly treated schizophrenia patients in Taiwan between 1999 and 2006. METHOD We collected data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of all newly treated patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum disorder (ICD-9 295.x). We analyzed all prescription records after diagnosis of schizophrenia and described the patterns of antipsychotics use, other concomitant psychotropic agents use, and mental health system utilization. We tested for trend using multivariate logistic regression and Spearman's partial correlation rank test. RESULTS A total of 2895 newly treated patients with schizophrenia were enrolled. The percentage of prescriptions of second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) was found to have increased significantly, from 27.5% in 1999 to 76.9% in 2006. The ratio of good antipsychotics adherence (medication possession ratio >0.8) also increased, from 23.2% in 1998 to 38.9% in 2006. Corresponding to this, the percentage of usage of first-generation antipsychotic drugs, anticholinergic agents, and long-term combination therapy declined. However, the prescription of antidepressants and mood stabilizers and the hospitalization rate increased. No change was noted in the number of psychiatric visits. CONCLUSION In the first-year treatment of newly treated schizophrenic patients between 1999 and 2006, we found pharmacological treatment had changed in terms of types of antipsychotics, adherence, and the use of other concomitant psychotropic agents, with the introduction of SGAs. The benefits and costs of the changes with a trend toward an increasing prescription of SGAs warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Shin Wu
- Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Ban-Chiao, Taipei, Taiwan
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18
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Trends on schizophrenia admissions during the deinstitutionalisation process in Spain (1980-2004). Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2011; 46:1095-101. [PMID: 20972771 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-010-0289-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/13/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The deinstitutionalisation reform in Spain started after 1980 with the aim of reducing the need for hospitalisation, length of stay and the number of psychiatric hospital beds, as well as fostering psychiatric patient's involvement in the community. The aim of this study was to review how this reform process has affected the management of schizophrenic patients from 1980 to 2004. METHODS Longitudinal (1980-2004) study describing variables related to hospital morbidity in schizophrenia patients. RESULTS Hospital admission rate has gradually increased from 1980 to 2004 from 3.71 admissions per 10,000 inhabitants to 5.89, respectively. Considering the type of admission, emergency or elective, whilst the latter has slightly decreased from 2.24 in 1980 to 1.72 in 2004, the first has almost tripled from 1.47 to 4.17. The point-prevalence of schizophrenic patients receiving inpatient treatment each year has decreased 78% in this period. Length of stay, in days per admission episode, has also decreased from 148 days in 1980 to 35 days in 2004. CONCLUSION One of the main impacts of the psychiatric health care reform in Spain has been the considerable reduction in hospital capacity devoted to schizophrenic patients, based on the significant decrease in point-prevalence. Thus, it seems relevant to design new studies to quantify the resource reallocation to other areas of care, such as pharmacological treatment and community services.
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Chakos M, Patel J, Rosenheck R, Glick I, Hamner M, Miller D, Tapp A, Miller A. Concomitant Psychotropic Medication Use During Treatment of Schizophrenia Patients: Longitudinal Results from the CATIE Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 5:124-34. [DOI: 10.3371/csrp.5.3.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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20
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Vares M, Saetre P, Strålin P, Levander S, Lindström E, Jönsson EG. Concomitant medication of psychoses in a lifetime perspective. Hum Psychopharmacol 2011; 26:322-31. [PMID: 21695733 PMCID: PMC3505368 DOI: 10.1002/hup.1209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Revised: 04/17/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients treated with antipsychotic drugs often receive concomitant psychotropic compounds. Few studies address this issue from a lifetime perspective. Here, an analysis is presented of the prescription pattern of such concomitant medication from the first contact with psychiatry until the last written note in the case history documents, in patients with a diagnosis of psychotic illness. METHODS A retrospective descriptive analysis of all case history data of 66 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like psychotic disorders. RESULTS Benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-related anxiolytic drugs had been prescribed to 95% of the patients, other anxiolytics, sedatives or hypnotic drugs to 61%, anti-parkinsonism drugs to 86%, and antidepressants to 56% of the patients. However, lifetime doses were small and most of the time patients had no concomitant medication. The prescribed lifetime dose of anti-parkinsonism drugs was associated with that of prescribed first-generation but not second-generation antipsychotics. CONCLUSIONS Most psychosis patients are sometimes treated with concomitant drugs but mainly over short periods. Lifetime concomitant add-on medication at the individual patient level is variable and complex but not extensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vares
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and HospitalStockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Saetre
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and HospitalStockholm, Sweden
| | - Pontus Strålin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and HospitalStockholm, Sweden
| | - Sten Levander
- Department of Health and Society, Malmö UniversityMalmö, Sweden
| | - Eva Lindström
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Malmö University HospitalMalmö, Sweden
| | - Erik G Jönsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and HospitalStockholm, Sweden,*Correspondence to: E. G. Jönsson, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Hospital Solna R5:00, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel: +46 8 51772626; Fax: +46 8 346563. E-mail:
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Millier A, Sarlon E, Azorin JM, Boyer L, Aballea S, Auquier P, Toumi M. Relapse according to antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenic patients: a propensity-adjusted analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2011; 11:24. [PMID: 21314943 PMCID: PMC3045883 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-11-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the rate of relapse as a function of antipsychotic treatment (monotherapy vs. polypharmacy) in schizophrenic patients over a 2-year period. METHODS Using data from a multicenter cohort study conducted in France, we performed a propensity-adjusted analysis to examine the association between the rate of relapse over a 2-year period and antipsychotic treatment (monotherapy vs. polypharmacy). RESULTS Our sample consisted in 183 patients; 50 patients (27.3%) had at least one period of relapse and 133 had no relapse (72.7%). Thirty-eight (37.7) percent of the patients received polypharmacy. The most severely ill patients were given polypharmacy: the age at onset of illness was lower in the polypharmacy group (p = 0.03). Patients that received polypharmacy also presented a higher general psychopathology PANSS subscore (p = 0.04) but no statistically significant difference was found in the PANSS total score or the PANSS positive or negative subscales. These patients were more likely to be given prescriptions for sedative drugs (p < 0.01) and antidepressant medications (p = 0.03). Relapse was found in 23.7% of patients given monotherapy and 33.3% given polypharmacy (p = 0.16). After stratification according to quintiles of the propensity score, which eliminated all significant differences for baseline characteristics, antipsychotic polypharmacy was not statistically associated with an increase of relapse: HR = 1.686 (0.812; 2.505). CONCLUSION After propensity score adjustment, antipsychotic polypharmacy is not statistically associated to an increase of relapse. Future randomised studies are needed to assess the impact of antipsychotic polypharmacy in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelie Millier
- Creativ-Ceutical France, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Sarlon
- National Institute of Health and Medical Research, INSERM, U669, Maison de Solenn, Boulevard de Port Royal, 75679 Paris, France,University of Paris-Sud and University of Paris Descartes, UMR-S0669, 75014 Paris, France,Department of Public Health, Hospital Center, Creil/Senlis, 60309 Senlis, France
| | - Jean-Michel Azorin
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Ste-Marguerite, Boulevard Sainte-Marguerite, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- Department of Public Health, EA 3279 Research Unit, University Hospital, Boulevard Jean Moulin 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Aballea
- Creativ-Ceutical France, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- Department of Public Health, EA 3279 Research Unit, University Hospital, Boulevard Jean Moulin 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Mondher Toumi
- UCBL 1 - Chair of Market Access University Claude Bernard Lyon I, Decision Sciences & Health Policy, Boulevard du 11 Novembre 1918, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
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Elie D, Poirier M, Chianetta J, Durand M, Grégoire C, Grignon S. Cognitive effects of antipsychotic dosage and polypharmacy: a study with the BACS in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. J Psychopharmacol 2010; 24:1037-44. [PMID: 19164494 DOI: 10.1177/0269881108100777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy and high doses have been associated with poorer outcome, longer hospital stays, and increased side effects. The present naturalistic study assessed the cognitive effects of antipsychotics in 56 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Antipsychotic daily dose (ADD) was expressed as mg risperidone equivalents/day (RIS eq), using a model based on drug doses from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials in Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) study for second generation antipsychotics (SGA) and chlorpromazine equivalents for first generation antipsychotics (FGA), with a 1/1 equivalence between haloperidol and risperidone. Increasing age was associated with polypharmacy, FGA prescription and decreasing BACS score. FGA prescription, in turn, predicted a poorer cognitive functioning, independently of age, PANSS subscores and ADD. ADD was associated with decreasing cognitive scores, an effect that remained significant after controlling for age, PANSS or polypharmacy. The detrimental cognitive effects of polypharmacy, in turn, appeared to be mediated by ADD. Different methods of data fitting suggested that ADD above 5-6 mg RIS eq/day were associated with lower BACS scores. Overall, these results show that increasing antipsychotic daily dose is associated with poorer cognitive functioning at doses lower than previously thought, independently of the number of antipsychotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Elie
- Department of Psychiatry, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, and Department of Psychiatry, CHUQ-Hôtel Dieu, Québec, QC, Canada
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De la Gándara J, San Molina L, Rubio G, Rodriguez-Morales A, Hidalgo Borrajo R, Burón JA. Experience with injectable long-acting risperidone in long-term therapy after an acute episode of schizophrenia: the SPHERE Study. Expert Rev Neurother 2009; 9:1463-74. [PMID: 19831836 DOI: 10.1586/ern.09.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) is the first long-acting formulation of an atypical antipsychotic introduced into clinical practice. RLAI combines the benefits of atypical antipsychotic agents with an extended duration of activity and is intended for long-term management of schizophrenia. This study evaluated the use of RLAI as part of a long-term management strategy in patients with an acute episode of schizophrenia. OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to determine clinicians' approaches to the use of RLAI in patients with an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia by examining the prescribing patterns of antipsychotic and other psychotropic medications. Other objectives were to evaluate the overall safety of switching patients to RLAI from previous antipsychotic therapy and to determine patients', caregivers' and relatives' attitudes towards RLAI treatment. METHODS The Safety and Profile of Handling and Employing of Risperdal Consta in Emergency/Acute Care Settings (SPHERE) study was an observational, non-interventional, multicenter, retrospective study involving a large cohort of patients with acute psychotic exacerbation who attended Spanish emergency/acute care facilities (between August and December 2003) and were treated with RLAI during hospitalization. RESULTS A total of 1232 patients (70% men; mean age 37 years; median of 8 months since most recent admission) were included in the analyses; 79% had been receiving antipsychotic therapy prior to admission. All patients received RLAI post-stabilization. The main reasons for initiating RLAI were the need for long-term treatment (76%) and a low adherence to previous treatment (71%). RLAI doses administered during hospitalization were: 25 (26%), 37.5 (29%), 50 (42%) and 75-100 mg (3%). The mean number of injections per patient (2 +/- 1) and mean hospitalization time (25 +/- 16 days) indicated that RLAI was administered every 2 weeks as per the manufacturer's recommendations. All patients were discharged on RLAI treatment; 62% were prescribed concomitant therapy, mainly oral risperidone (39%), anxiolytics (25%), antiparkinsonians (15%), hypnotics (11%) and anticonvulsants (11%). Only 5.7% of patients reported adverse events, most commonly extrapyramidal symptoms (1.1%) and somnolence (0.9%). CONCLUSIONS As part of a long-term management strategy aimed at improving treatment adherence in schizophrenic patients, RLAI was prescribed to a wide spectrum of patients with an acute episode of schizophrenia during hospitalization and at the time of discharge from emergency/acute care facilities. RLAI was well tolerated in the study population and the overall impression of patients, primary caregivers and relatives to RLAI therapy was positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús De la Gándara
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Complejo Asistencial de Burgos, Hospital Divino Valles, 3a Plante, 09006 Burgos, Spain.
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Goodwin G, Fleischhacker W, Arango C, Baumann P, Davidson M, de Hert M, Falkai P, Kapur S, Leucht S, Licht R, Naber D, O'Keane V, Papakostas G, Vieta E, Zohar J. Advantages and disadvantages of combination treatment with antipsychotics ECNP Consensus Meeting, March 2008, Nice. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2009; 19:520-32. [PMID: 19411165 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2009.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
TERMINOLOGY AND PRINCIPLES OF COMBINING ANTIPSYCHOTICS WITH A SECOND MEDICATION: The term "combination" includes virtually all the ways in which one medication may be added to another. The other commonly used terms are "augmentation" which implies an additive effect from adding a second medicine to that obtained from prescribing a first, an "add on" which implies adding on to existing, possibly effective treatment which, for one reason or another, cannot or should not be stopped. The issues that arise in all potential indications are: a) how long it is reasonable to wait to prove insufficiency of response to monotherapy; b) by what criteria that response should be defined; c) how optimal is the dose of the first monotherapy and, therefore, how confident can one be that its lack of effect is due to a truly inadequate response? Before one considers combination treatment, one or more of the following criteria should be met; a) monotherapy has been only partially effective on core symptoms; b) monotherapy has been effective on some concurrent symptoms but not others, for which a further medicine is believed to be required; c) a particular combination might be indicated de novo in some indications; d) The combination could improve tolerability because two compounds may be employed below their individual dose thresholds for side effects. Regulators have been concerned primarily with a and, in principle at least, c above. In clinical practice, the use of combination treatment reflects the often unsatisfactory outcome of treatment with single agents. ANTIPSYCHOTICS IN MANIA: There is good evidence that most antipsychotics tested show efficacy in acute mania when added to lithium or valproate for patients showing no or a partial response to lithium or valproate alone. Conventional 2-armed trial designs could benefit from a third antipsychotic monotherapy arm. In the long term treatment of bipolar disorder, in patients responding acutely to the addition of quetiapine to lithium or valproate, this combination reduces the subsequent risk of relapse to depression, mania or mixed states compared to monotherapy with lithium or valproate. Comparable data is not available for combination with other antipsychotics. ANTIPSYCHOTICS IN MAJOR DEPRESSION: Some atypical antipsychotics have been shown to induce remission when added to an antidepressant (usually a SSRI or SNRI) in unipolar patients in a major depressive episode unresponsive to the antidepressant monotherapy. Refractoriness is defined as at least 6 weeks without meeting an adequate pre-defined treatment response. Long term data is not yet available to support continuing efficacy. SCHIZOPHRENIA: There is only limited evidence to support the combination of two or more antipsychotics in schizophrenia. Any monotherapy should be given at the maximal tolerated dose and at least two antipsychotics of different action/tolerability and clozapine should be given as a monotherapy before a combination is considered. The addition of a high potency D2/3 antagonist to a low potency antagonist like clozapine or quetiapine is the logical combination to treat positive symptoms, although further evidence from well conducted clinical trials is needed. Other mechanisms of action than D2/3 blockade, and hence other combinations might be more relevant for negative, cognitive or affective symptoms. OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER: SSRI monotherapy has moderate overall average benefit in OCD and can take as long as 3 months for benefit to be decided. Antipsychotic addition may be considered in OCD with tic disorder and in refractory OCD. For OCD with poor insight (OCD with "psychotic features"), treatment of choice should be medium to high dose of SSRI, and only in refractory cases, augmentation with antipsychotics might be considered. Augmentation with haloperidol and risperidone was found to be effective (symptom reduction of more than 35%) for patients with tics. For refractory OCD, there is data suggesting a specific role for haloperidol and risperidone as well, and some data with regard to potential therapeutic benefit with olanzapine and quetiapine. ANTIPSYCHOTICS AND ADVERSE EFFECTS IN SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS: Cardio-metabolic risk in patients with severe mental illness and especially when treated with antipsychotic agents are now much better recognized and efforts to ensure improved physical health screening and prevention are becoming established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Goodwin
- University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX, UK.
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Kroken RA, Johnsen E, Ruud T, Wentzel-Larsen T, Jørgensen HA. Treatment of schizophrenia with antipsychotics in Norwegian emergency wards, a cross-sectional national study. BMC Psychiatry 2009; 9:24. [PMID: 19445700 PMCID: PMC2693495 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-9-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 05/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surveys on prescription patterns for antipsychotics in the Scandinavian public health system are scarce despite the prevalent use of these drugs. The clinical differences between antipsychotic drugs are mainly in the areas of safety and tolerability, and international guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia offer rational strategies to minimize the burden of side effects related to antipsychotic treatment. The implementation of treatment guidelines in clinical practice have proven difficult to achieve, as reflected by major variations in the prescription patterns of antipsychotics between different comparable regions and countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the practice of treatment of schizophrenic patients with antipsychotics at discharge from acute inpatient settings at a national level. METHODS Data from 486 discharges of patients from emergency inpatient treatment of schizophrenia were collected during a three-month period in 2005; the data were collected in a large national study that covered 75% of Norwegian hospitals receiving inpatients for acute treatment. Antipsychotic treatment, demographic variables, scores from the Global Assessment of Functioning and Health of the Nation Outcome Scales and information about comorbid conditions and prior treatment were analyzed to seek predictors for nonadherence to guidelines. RESULTS In 7.6% of the discharges no antipsychotic treatment was given; of the remaining discharges, 35.6% were prescribed antipsychotic polypharmacy and 41.9% were prescribed at least one first-generation antipsychotic (FGA). The mean chlorpromazine equivalent dose was 450 (SD 347, range 25-2800). In the multivariate regression analyses, younger age, previous inpatient treatment in the previous 12 months before index hospitalization, and a comorbid diagnosis of personality disorder or mental retardation predicted antipsychotic polypharmacy, while previous inpatient treatment in the previous 12 months also predicted prescription of at least one FGA. CONCLUSION Our national survey of antipsychotic treatment at discharge from emergency inpatient treatment revealed antipsychotic drug regimens that are to some degree at odds with current guidelines, with increased risk of side effects. Patients with high relapse rates, comorbid conditions, and previous inpatient treatment are especially prone to be prescribed antipsychotic drug regimens not supported by international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune A Kroken
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, PO Box 23, N-5812, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Erik Johnsen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, PO Box 23, N-5812, Bergen, Norway
| | - Torleif Ruud
- Division of Mental Health Services, Department of Research and Development, Akershus University Hospital, 1478 Lørenskog, Norway,SINTEF Health Research, 0314 Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore Wentzel-Larsen
- Centre for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Hugo A Jørgensen
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, PO Box 23, N-5812, Bergen, Norway,Department of Clinical Medicine, Section Psychiatry, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
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Gören JL, Parks JJ, Ghinassi FA, Milton CG, Oldham JM, Hernandez P, Chan J, Hermann RC. When Is Antipsychotic Polypharmacy Supported by Research Evidence? Implications for QI. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2008; 34:571-82. [DOI: 10.1016/s1553-7250(08)34072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Andersen SE, Johansson M, Manniche C. The prescribing pattern of a new antipsychotic: a descriptive study of aripiprazole for psychiatric in-patients. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2008; 103:75-81. [PMID: 18346047 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2008.00233.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In June 2004, aripiprazole was marketed as a second-generation antipsychotic with an entire new mechanism of action. The objective of this descriptive study is to examine the day-to-day prescriptions of aripiprazole to an unselected population of psychiatric in-patients. From 1 February to 1 May 2006, present and former in-patients treated with aripiprazole were identified. Prescriptions of aripiprazole and psychoactive comedication were collected retrospectively from the patient records. Seventy-one patients, mainly schizophrenic, received aripiprazole 2.5 to 55 mg/day for median 350 days. The median average exposure was 18.9 mg/day (range 2.5-45 mg/day) and exceeded 15 and 30 mg/day in 63% and 4.2% of the patients, respectively. Generally, aripiprazole was either added to the existing antipsychotic treatment or replaced other antipsychotics; only 17% of the patients were treatment-naïve. In 25% aripiprazole, monotherapy was commenced whereas aripiprazole-antipsychotic combinations were initially prescribed in 75%. Overall, 85% of the patients received periods of antipsychotic polypharmacy and aripiprazole was combined with 17 different antipsychotics. Each patient received median three (range 0-8) psychoactive drugs parallel with aripiprazole. This study demonstrates reality in psychopharmacology and quote aripiprazole as example. In day-to-day practice, aripiprazole is used as part of highly individualized regimens comprising polypharmacy and excessive dosing. Although theoretically appropriate for some patients, this approach also implies conducting unblinded and uncontrolled mini-experiments. Sparse evidence supports this practice and effectiveness studies of aripiprazole that takes into account the true complexity of clinical prescribing are urgently needed.
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28
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Johnsen E, Jørgensen HA. Effectiveness of second generation antipsychotics: a systematic review of randomized trials. BMC Psychiatry 2008; 8:31. [PMID: 18439263 PMCID: PMC2386457 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-8-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2008] [Accepted: 04/25/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systematic reviews based on efficacy trials are inconclusive about which second generation antipsychotic drug (SGA) should be preferred in normal clinical practice, and studies with longer duration and more pragmatic designs are called for. Effectiveness studies, also known as naturalistic, pragmatic, practical or real life studies, adhere to these principles as they aim to mimic daily clinical practice and have longer follow-up. OBJECTIVE To review the head-to-head effectiveness of SGAs in the domains of global outcomes, symptoms of disease, and tolerability. METHODS Searches were made in Embase, PubMED, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials for effectiveness studies published from 1980 to 2008, week 1. Different combinations of the keywords antipsychotic*, neuroleptic* AND open, pragmatic, practical, naturalistic, real life, effectiveness, side effect*, unwanted effect*, tolera* AND compar* AND random* were used. RESULTS Sixteen different reports of randomized head-to-head comparisons of SGA effectiveness were located. There were differences regarding sample sizes, inclusion criteria and follow-up periods, as well as sources of financial sponsorship. In acute-phase and first-episode patients no differences between the SGAs were disclosed regarding alleviating symptoms of disease. Olanzapine was associated with more weight gain and adverse effects on serum lipids. In the chronic phase patients olanzapine groups had longer time to discontinuation of treatment and better treatment adherence compared to other SGAs. The majority of studies found no differences between the SGAs in alleviating symptoms of psychosis in chronically ill patients. Olanzapine was associated with more metabolic adverse effects compared to the others SGAs. There were surprisingly few between-drug differences regarding side effects. First generation antipsychotics were associated with lower total mental health care costs in 2 of 3 studies on chronically ill patients, but were also associated with more extrapyramidal side effects compared to the SGAs in several studies. CONCLUSION In chronically ill patients olanzapine may have an advantage over other SGAs regarding longer time to treatment discontinuation and better drug adherence, but the drug is also associated with more metabolic side effects. More effectiveness studies on first-episode psychosis are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Johnsen
- Haukeland University Hospital, Division of Psychiatry, Sandviken, P.O.Box 23, N-5812, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hugo A Jørgensen
- Haukeland University Hospital, Division of Psychiatry, Sandviken, P.O.Box 23, N-5812, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Section Psychiatry, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
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Bitter I, Treuer T, Dyachkova Y, Martenyi F, McBride M, Ungvari GS. Antipsychotic prescription patterns in outpatient settings: 24-month results from the Intercontinental Schizophrenia Outpatient Health Outcomes (IC-SOHO) study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2008; 18:170-80. [PMID: 17884390 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2007.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2007] [Revised: 07/21/2007] [Accepted: 08/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This report describes antipsychotic prescription patterns for outpatients with schizophrenia prescribed olanzapine (n=3,222), clozapine (n=236), risperidone (n=1,117), quetiapine (n=189) or haloperidol (n=256) monotherapy at study entry and treated in a naturalistic, clinical practice setting over 24 months. Predictive factors associated with remaining on monotherapy were also identified. Olanzapine patients had significantly greater odds of remaining on their initial monotherapy compared to other treatment groups, while clozapine or risperidone recipients were more likely to remain on monotherapy, compared to haloperidol patients. Switching antipsychotic medication was more common than addition of another antipsychotic agent, and the most common reason for modifying treatment was lack of effectiveness. The odds of modifying antipsychotic prescription due to intolerability were lower for patients treated with olanzapine, compared to patients treated with risperidone or haloperidol (p<or=.001). However, treatment modification due to patient request was significantly greater for olanzapine-treated patients, compared to risperidone-, quetiapine- or haloperidol-treated patients (p<or=.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Istvan Bitter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Honer WG, Thornton AE, Sherwood M, MacEwan GW, Ehmann TS, Williams R, Kopala LC, Procyshyn R, Barr AM. Conceptual and methodological issues in the design of clinical trials of antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia. CNS Drugs 2007; 21:699-714. [PMID: 17696571 DOI: 10.2165/00023210-200721090-00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is one of the most severe and disabling psychiatric disorders. Antipsychotic drugs offer considerable benefits in controlling symptoms and preventing relapse. The strategy for the present review of clinical trials was to ask 'What are the features of schizophrenia and the existing treatments of the illness that have implications for future clinical trials'? Six key facts were identified.First, schizophrenia is genetically 'complex'. Trials may benefit from designs including genetically related illnesses, by focussing on cross-cutting aspects of the phenotype such as psychosis or cognitive dysfunction, and by collecting information on possible moderators and mediators of treatment response.Second, schizophrenia affects multiple neurotransmitter systems. Multiple signalling pathways may need to be considered, with different time courses of response. Outcome measures from clinical trials could be collected at more frequent intervals, particularly in the early phase of response.Third, the clinical features used to define the illness are a mix of symptoms and social-occupational dysfunction, yet treatment response is often defined only by changes in symptoms. Multiple measures of functioning need to be collected at baseline and at the endpoint of trials. Consensus definitions for response, remission, relapse, recovery and recurrence need to be developed.Fourth, schizophrenia is often highly disabling. Linking treatment response in clinical trials to measures of quality-adjusted life-years will allow comparison with other medical illnesses using common metrics.Fifth, the general health and care of individuals with schizophrenia is often poor. 'Complex' interventions, which include, but are not limited to, antipsychotic medications, need to be designed and tested for the problems facing these patients.Finally, large gaps exist between clinical trials, practice guidelines and patterns of practice. Trials need to be designed to investigate widely used approaches such as antipsychotic polypharmacy, where actual practice diverges from evidence-based guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Honer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Abstract
This article examines real-world antipsychotic use in the treatment of schizophrenia by comparing real-world prescribing with medication algorithms and guidelines, by evaluating the evidence underlying recommendations and guidelines, and by examining the roles of side effects and medication adherence in real-world prescribing decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy A Moore
- Division of Schizophrenia and Related Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Related Disorders-MSC 7792, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review focuses on atypical antipsychotics and tardive dyskinesia. RECENT FINDINGS We have known for many years that clozapine has a diminished risk of tardive dyskinesia compared with typical antipsychotics. The last decade has seen the introduction of a number of other atypical antipsychotics, allowing us to begin evaluating whether they too share this attribute. In addition, the opportunity to use these drugs as first-line treatment permits a more precise means of establishing risk. While longer-term data are required, the limited evidence available clearly indicates that the atypical antipsychotics have a decreased liability of tardive dyskinesia, approximately 1% compared with 5% for typical agents annually. Like clozapine, the other atypical antipsychotics also demonstrate antidyskinetic properties in individuals with preexisting tardive dyskinesia. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and without such information it is not possible to say what clinical conditions, if any, might diminish or even eliminate these advantages. SUMMARY An update is provided regarding the atypical antipsychotics and tardive dyskinesia. This information is critical in our decision-making regarding choice of antipsychotic and optimal use in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Remington
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Hori H, Noguchi H, Hashimoto R, Nakabayashi T, Omori M, Takahashi S, Tsukue R, Anami K, Hirabayashi N, Harada S, Saitoh O, Iwase M, Kajimoto O, Takeda M, Okabe S, Kunugi H. Antipsychotic medication and cognitive function in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2006; 86:138-46. [PMID: 16793238 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2006.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2006] [Revised: 04/25/2006] [Accepted: 05/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy and excessive dosing still prevail worldwide in the treatment of schizophrenia, while their possible association with cognitive function has not well been examined. We examined whether the "non-standard" use of antipsychotics (defined as antipsychotic polypharmacy or dosage >1,000 mg/day of chlorpromazine equivalents) is associated with cognitive function. Furthermore, we compared cognitive function between patients taking only atypical antipsychotics and those taking only conventionals. Neurocognitive functions were assessed in 67 patients with chronic schizophrenia and 92 controls using the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and the Advanced Trail Making Test (ATMT). Patients showed markedly poorer performance than controls on all these tests. Patients on non-standard antipsychotic medication demonstrated poorer performance than those on standard medication on visual memory, delayed recall, performance IQ, and executive function. Patients taking atypical antipsychotics showed better performance than those taking conventionals on visual memory, delayed recall, and executive function. Clinical characteristics such as duration of medication, number of hospitalizations, and concomitant antiparkinsonian drugs were different between the treatment groups (both dichotomies of standard/non-standard and conventional/atypical). These results provide evidence for an association between antipsychotic medication and cognitive function. This association between antipsychotic medication and cognitive function may be due to differential illness severity (e.g., non-standard treatment for severely ill patients who have severe cognitive impairment). Alternatively, poorer cognitive function may be due in part to polypharmacy or excessive dosing. Further investigations are required to draw any conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Hori
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Ogawahigashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan.
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