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Tamrakar S, Mendoza Diaz A, Nevarez Flores AG, Castle D. Characterising the nature of psychiatric disorders and patterns of antipsychotic medications prescribed in a psychiatric ward in a public hospital in Tasmania. Australas Psychiatry 2024:10398562241283156. [PMID: 39275805 DOI: 10.1177/10398562241283156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We present an evaluation of antipsychotic prescribing in an inpatient psychiatry ward in Hobart, Tasmania, to establish pattern of use, alignment with other psychiatric wards or centres and the recommendations in the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry Clinical Practice Guidelines, and to determine predictors of polypharmacy. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. Data from 118 patients discharged from the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) Mental Health Inpatient Unit between 01/02/2021 to 01/08/2021 were evaluated. RESULTS Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) was observed in 40% of patients. When low doses of adjunctive ('PRN') use of olanzapine and quetiapine were excluded, the APP proportion was 35%. APP was predicted by age and by a schizophrenia diagnosis. Long-acting injections (LAIs) were used in 46% of the patients. The most common LAI was risperidone (52%). Average daily dose of antipsychotic at the time of discharge was 529 mg chlorpromazine (CPZ) equivalents. High dose antipsychotics (more than 1000 mg CPZ equivalents per day) was observed in 13% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS The observed prescribing practice is consistent with other clinical settings. Antipsychotic prescribing practice should, however, continue to be monitored to ensure adherence to best practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharad Tamrakar
- Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmanian Health Service, Glenorchy, TAS, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart, TAS, Australia; and Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adriana G Nevarez Flores
- Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart, TAS, Australia; and Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - David Castle
- Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation, Tasmanian Health Service, Hobart, TAS, Australia; and School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Prevalence and Appropriateness of Antipsychotic Prescribing in an Italian Prison: Is Everything Always Really Overprescribed? J Clin Psychopharmacol 2022; 42:31-36. [PMID: 34928558 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND Although the prevalence of mental disorders in prisoners is known to be higher than in the general population, less is known about the antipsychotic (AP) prescribing rate in jail. The aim of this research was to investigate prevalence and appropriateness of AP prescription in an Italian prison to expand our understanding on this crucial area of clinical-forensic practice. METHODS/PROCEDURES A cross-sectional (census day) design was used among male adults in the Parma Penitentiary Institutes (PPI). Sociodemographic, clinical and prescription data were collected from the PPI electronic clinical database management system. The AP prescribing appropriateness was examined in accordance with the therapeutic indications included in the Italian National Formulary. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. FINDINGS/RESULTS A total of 98 (14.1%) of 696 PPI prisoners were taking AP medications. Moreover, 90 (91.8%) of the 98 PPI participants were also taking other psychotropic medications concurrently. Quetiapine and olanzapine were the most common prescribed APs. Antipsychotic medications were most likely to be prescribed for off-label indications (74.4%). Less than one fifth of all AP prescriptions were for psychotic disorders. IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS Antipsychotic medications are widely used in prison, often together with other psychotropic drugs. Considering their common adverse effects, it is crucial to longitudinally monitor their potential risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, and extrapyramidal symptoms and signs, as well as their early risk of mortality. Given the high prevalence of AP off-label prescription, the rationale for AP prescribing should be clearly documented and regularly reviewed within the prison by mental health professionals.
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Kim JJ, Pae CU, Han C, Bahk WM, Lee SJ, Patkar AA, Masand PS. Exploring Hidden Issues in the Use of Antipsychotic Polypharmacy in the Treatment of Schizophrenia. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2021; 19:600-609. [PMID: 34690115 PMCID: PMC8553537 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2021.19.4.600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The mainstay of schizophrenia treatment is pharmacological therapy using various antipsychotics including first- and second-generation antipsychotics which have different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic property leading to differential presentation of adverse events (AEs) and treatment effects such as negative symptoms, cognitive symptoms and cormorbid symptoms. Major treatment guidelines suggest the use of antipsychotic monotherapy (APM) as a gold standard in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, the effects of APM is inadequate and less potent to achieve symptom remission as well as functional recovery in real practice which has been consistently reported in numerous controlled clinical trials, large practical trials, independent small studies and systematic reviews till today. Therefore anti-psychotic polypharmacy (APP) regardless of the class of antipsychotics has been also commonly utilized for many reasons in real world practice. However, APP has also crucial pitfalls including increase of total psychotics including antipsychotics, high-doses of antipsychotics used, poor compliance, drug-drug interaction and risks for developing AEs, all of which are paradoxically related to poor clinical outcomes, whereas APP has also substantial advantages in reduction of re-hospitalization, severe psychopathology and targeted control of concurrent symptoms. Given currently limited therapeutic options, it is also important to properly utilize APP in order to maximize its clinical utility and minimize its risk for better treatment outcomes for patients with schizophrenia, based on risk/benefit with full understanding of pharmacological and clinical issues on APP. The present paper intends to address intriguing and important issues in the use of APP in real world practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Jin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chi-Un Pae
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Cell Death Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Changsu Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won-Myong Bahk
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soo-Jung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ashwin A Patkar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Patrichi B, Ţăpoi C, Rogojină RŞ, Bedreagă I, Dumitrache A, Itu A, Dragomir R, Buciuc AG. Antipsychotic polypharmacy in adult patients diagnosed with schizophrenia: A retrospective study. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1225. [PMID: 34539821 PMCID: PMC8438669 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) is a common practice in the treatment of schizophrenia. In this study, we aimed to identify the prevalence of APP in our department, as well as the trends associated with co-prescribing antipsychotics. We collected data from the medical records of all 193 inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia who were admitted to Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia Clinical Psychiatry Hospital (Bucharest, Romania), Department 9, during January 2019-December 2019. Demographic characteristics of the patients, clinical diagnosis, psychiatric admission type and duration of hospitalization were examined. Data regarding the antipsychotic regimen at discharge and other psychotropic drugs used were collected. A total of 69 (35.75%) patients received more than 2 antipsychotics upon discharge. Patients treated with APP did not differ in regards to sex, age, education level, employment status, marital status, living situation, type of admission from those receiving antipsychotic monotherapy (APM). Prolonged hospitalization was found to be an independent predictor of APP (P=0.014). Most of the combinations used in our unit included clozapine (47.8%), and the most frequently used treatment in the APP group was the combination of paliperidone and clozapine (14.5%). In the APP group, 30 (43.5%) patients included in their regimen was a long-acting intramuscular antipsychotic. There was no significant difference in terms of the use of mood stabilizers, antiparkinsonian drugs or anxiolytics between the APP and the APM group; yet, a higher prevalence of antidepressant use, although not statistically significant (P=0.067), in the APP group compared to the APM group, was observed. The use of APP as a long-term regimen is a common practice in our department, as it is worldwide. There is a great need for randomized-control trials and evidence-based studies in order to define the safest and most effective combinations of antipsychotics and also the characteristics of patients that may benefit from these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Patrichi
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania.,Department of General Psychiatry, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristiana Ţăpoi
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Radu Ştefan Rogojină
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Bedreagă
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Dumitrache
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Itu
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Radu Dragomir
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adela-Georgiana Buciuc
- Department of General Psychiatry, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Psychiatry Hospital, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
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Kaikoushi K, Karanikola M, Middleton N, Bella E, Chatzittofis A. Prescription patterns in psychiatric compulsory care: polypharmacy and high-dose antipsychotics. BJPsych Open 2021; 7:e149. [PMID: 34747353 PMCID: PMC8388008 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic polypharmacy and prescription of high-dose antipsychotics are often used for the treatment of psychotic symptoms, especially in compulsory psychiatric care although there is lack of evidence to support this practice and related risks for patients. AIMS We aimed to investigate prescription patterns in patients with psychosis under compulsory psychiatric treatment in Cyprus and to identify predictors for pharmaceutic treatment patterns. METHOD This was a nationwide, descriptive correlational study with cross-sectional comparisons, including 482 patients with compulsory admission to hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Psychotic symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Prescribed medication patterns, including use of medication pro re nata (PRN, when required), were recorded. RESULTS Antipsychotic polypharmacy with a PRN schema was reported in 33.2% (n = 160) of the participants. Polypharmacy without a PRN schema was reported in 5.6% (n = 27) of the participants. We found that 27.2% (n = 131) of the participants were prescribed high-dose antipsychotics without PRN included; and 39.2% (n = 189) prescribed high-dose antipsychotics with PRN included. In the logistic regression analyses, predictors for prescription of high-dose antipsychotics were male gender, positive psychiatric history, receiving state benefits and a negative history of substance use. Male gender was the only predictor for polypharmacy without a PRN schema whereas male gender, negative family psychiatric history, receiving state benefits and the total score on the positive symptoms PANSS subscale were predictors for polypharmacy with a PRN schema included. CONCLUSIONS A high frequency of polypharmacy and use of medication PRN beyond clinical guidelines has been reported for the first time in psychiatric compulsory care in Cyprus; revision in antipsychotic prescription is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Kaikoushi
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus; and Cyprus mental Health Services, Famagusta, Cyprus
| | - Maria Karanikola
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Middleton
- School of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus
| | | | - Andreas Chatzittofis
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Cyprus; and Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Liu X, Sun H, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Wang W, Xu L, Liu W. Clozapine affects the pharmacokinetics of risperidone and inhibits its metabolism and P-glycoprotein-mediated transport in vivo and in vitro: A safety attention to antipsychotic polypharmacy with clozapine and risperidone. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 422:115560. [PMID: 33957192 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP), as one maintenance treatment strategy in patients with schizophrenia, has gained popularity in real-world clinical settings. Risperidone (RIS) and clozapine (CLZ) are the most commonly prescribed second-generation antipsychotics, and they are often used in combination as APP. In this study, the pharmacokinetics of RIS and CLZ in rats were examined after co-administration to explore the reliability and rationality of co-medication with RIS and CLZ. In addition, the effects of CLZ on RIS metabolism and transport in vitro were investigated. The results illustrated that in the 7-day continuous administration test in rats, when co-administered with CLZ, the area under curve and peak concentrations of RIS were increased by 2.2- and 3.1-fold at the first dose, respectively, increased by 3.4- and 6.2-fold at the last dose, respectively. The metabolite-to-parent ratio of RIS was approximately 22% and 33% lower than those of RIS alone group at the first and last doses, respectively. Moreover, CLZ significantly increased RIS concentrations in the brain (3.0-4.8 folds) and cerebrospinal fluid (2.1-3.5 folds) in rats, which was slightly lower than the impact of verapamil on RIS after co-medication. Experiments in vitro indicated that CLZ competitively inhibited the conversion of RIS to 9-hydroxy-RIS with the inhibition constants of 1.36 and 3.0 μM in rat and human liver microsomes, respectively. Furthermore, the efflux ratio of RIS in Caco-2 monolayers was significantly reduced by CLZ at 1 μM. Hence, CLZ may affect the exposure of RIS by inhibiting its metabolism and P-glycoprotein-mediated transport. These findings highlighted that APP with RIS and CLZ might increase the plasma concentrations of RIS and 9-hydroxy-RIS beyond the safety ranges and cause toxic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, PR China
| | - Heyuan Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, PR China
| | - Yumu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, PR China
| | - Yufei Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, PR China
| | - Wenyan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, PR China.
| | - Lixiao Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, PR China
| | - Wanhui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, PR China
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Montalbani B, Bargagna P, Mastrangelo M, Sarubbi S, Imbastaro B, De Luca GP, Anibaldi G, Erbuto D, Pompili M, Comparelli A. The COVID-19 Outbreak and Subjects With Mental Disorders Who Presented to an Italian Psychiatric Emergency Department. J Nerv Ment Dis 2021; 209:246-250. [PMID: 33214387 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT We performed a retrospective study from January to May 2020 to establish the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with mental health problems who arrived at an Italian emergency department during the COVID-19 outbreak. We divided the sample into two groups taking as a watershed March 11, when the World Health Organization announced COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. Chi-square/t-tests, adjusted p values (Bonferroni method), and regression analysis were performed. Patients who arrived at the emergency department during the lockdown decreased by 56%; showed greater active suicidal ideation, more tension, and more severe psychopathological state; were living alone more frequently; and were taking home treatment mainly based on second-generation antipsychotics. According to our study, it seems that patients with mental disorders have consulted psychiatric services less frequently during the pandemic, but the economic, health, and social distress may be linked with an increase in suicidal risk and the severity of the psychopathological state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Montalbani
- Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital
| | - Paride Bargagna
- Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital
| | - Martina Mastrangelo
- Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital
| | | | - Benedetta Imbastaro
- Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital
| | | | - Gaia Anibaldi
- Psychiatry Residency Training Program, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea Hospital
| | | | - Maurizio Pompili
- NESMOS Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs
| | - Anna Comparelli
- Psychiatric Clinic, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Martinho S, Poças A, Simões M, Laureano C. Antipsychotic Polypharmacy and High-Dose Antipsychotics in Involuntary Patients: a Seven-Year Audit of Discharge Prescriptions in an Acute Care Unit. Psychiatr Q 2021; 92:1-14. [PMID: 32430698 DOI: 10.1007/s11126-020-09762-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) is a psychopharmacological practice in which two or more antipsychotics are prescribed simultaneously. Despite the absence of evidence to support it, it is highly prevalent in clinical settings. Another recurrent practice strongly associated with APP is the prescription of high-dose antipsychotics (HDAs). Compulsory treatment is a legal means to impose treatment on an individual suffering from mental illness who refuses therapeutic intervention. Compulsory treatment has been associated with APP and HDAs and rates of both have been proposed to represent indicators of the quality of prescribing. We aimed to perform an antipsychotic prescription audit in a vulnerable psychiatric population, at the psychiatry department of a district hospital in Portugal, across 7 years. We evaluated APP and HDAs in 403 compulsorily admitted patients by reviewing their files at discharge. We used logistic regression to search for factors associated with APP and HDAs. APP was found in 70.5% of individuals, whereas HDAs were found in 51.4%. After adjustment, APP was significantly associated with male gender (Odds Ratio[OR] = 1.85 [1.04; 3.30] 95% Confidence Interval [CI]), involuntary outpatient treatment (OR = .40 [.18; .82] 95% CI), activation of the hospital social services (OR = 1.91 [1.08; 3.38] 95%CI), prescription of antidepressants (OR = .43 [.22; .82] 95%CI) and long-acting injectables (LAI) (OR = 28.29 [13.13; 60.97] 95%CI). HDAs were associated with male gender (OR = 1.76 [1.06; 2.94] 95%CI), the prescription of LAI (OR = 12.92 [6.93; 24.09] 95%CI) and oral first-generation antipsychotics (OR = 2.90 [1.51; 5.60] 95%CI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Martinho
- Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, Leiria Hospital Center, Leiria, Portugal.
| | - Ana Poças
- Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, Leiria Hospital Center, Leiria, Portugal
| | - Mário Simões
- Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, Leiria Hospital Center, Leiria, Portugal
| | - Cláudio Laureano
- Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, Leiria Hospital Center, Leiria, Portugal
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Mahmood S, Hussain S, Ur Rehman T, Barbui C, Kurdi AB, Godman B. Trends in the prescribing of antipsychotic medicines in Pakistan: implications for the future. Curr Med Res Opin 2019; 35:51-61. [PMID: 30122062 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2018.1513834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction and objectives: There is a paucity of antipsychotic prescribing and utilization data in Pakistan that needs addressing, especially with issues of availability, affordability, gender differences, and domestic violence, to develop pertinent strategies. The objective of this study was to address these issues by describing current antipsychotic utilization patterns in Pakistan among adult patients attending tertiary care hospitals and private practitioners.Methods: A three staged approach was used including (1) assessment of total antipsychotic utilization, expenditure, and costs per unit between 2010 and 2015, (2) an in-depth retrospective study of prescribing patterns, including co-morbidities among representative hospital patients in Pakistan, and (3) assessment of the quality of prescribing against WHO targets.Results: Total use of antipsychotics increased 4.3-fold and the cost/unit increased by 13.2% during the study period. Risperidone and olanzapine were the most prescribed antipsychotics with more limited use of other typical and atypical antipsychotics. The number of medicines per encounter was 4.56. Prescription using generic instead of brand names was 21.4%. Seven per cent were prescribed more than one antipsychotic concurrently.Conclusion: There has been an appreciable increase in antipsychotic utilization in recent years in Pakistan, especially atypical antipsychotics, with little polypharmacy. Ongoing utilization of typical antipsychotics may be due to comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Issues of international non-proprietary name prescribing need investigating along with the high number of medicines per encounter and gender inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidra Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid e Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Taufeeq Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Quaid e Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Corrado Barbui
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health and Service Evaluation, Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Amanj Baker Kurdi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Economics Centre, Liverpool University Management School, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, Guanteng Province, South Africa
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Marcellusi A, Fabiano G, Viti R, Francesa Morel PC, Nicolò G, Siracusano A, Mennini FS. Economic burden of schizophrenia in Italy: a probabilistic cost of illness analysis. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e018359. [PMID: 29439067 PMCID: PMC5829672 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Schizophrenia is a chronic, debilitating psychiatric disease with highly variable treatment pathways and consequent economic impacts on resource utilisation. The aim of the study was to estimate the economic burden of schizophrenia in Italy for both the societal and Italian National Healthcare perspective. METHODS A probabilistic cost of illness model was applied. A systematic literature review was carried out to identify epidemiological and economic data. Direct costs were calculated in terms of drugs, hospitalisations, specialist services, residential and semiresidential facilities. Indirect costs were calculated on the basis of patients' and caregivers' loss of productivity. In addition, the impact of disability compensation was taken into account using a database from the Italian National Social Security Institute -Italy (INPS). RESULTS Overall, 303 913 prevalent patients with schizophrenia were estimated. Of these, 212 739 (70%) were diagnosed and 175 382 (82%) were treated with antipsychotics. The total economic burden was estimated at €2.7 billion (95% CI €1771.93 to €3988.65), 50.5% due to indirect costs and 49.5% to direct costs. Drugs corresponded to 10% of direct costs and hospitalisations (including residential and semiresidential facilities) accounted for 81%. CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted that indirect costs and hospitalisations (including residential and semiresidential facilities) play a major role within the expenses associated with schizophrenia in Italy, and this may be considered as a tool for public decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marcellusi
- Economic Evaluation and HTA (EEHTA), CEIS University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Institute for Leadership and Management in Health, Kingston University London, London, UK
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies (IRPPS), Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Fabiano
- Economic Evaluation and HTA (EEHTA), CEIS University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Institute for Leadership and Management in Health, Kingston University London, London, UK
| | - Raffaella Viti
- Economic Evaluation and HTA (EEHTA), CEIS University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Nicolò
- Department Salute Mentale e dipendenze patologiche, ASL Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Siracusano
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Fondazione Policlinico “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Mennini
- Economic Evaluation and HTA (EEHTA), CEIS University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Institute for Leadership and Management in Health, Kingston University London, London, UK
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Fantini G, Tibaldi G, Rucci P, Gibertoni D, Vezzoli M, Cifarelli L, Tiraferri R, Munizza C. Quality of care indicators for schizophrenia: determinants of observed variations among Italian Departments of Mental Health. Results from the ETAS DSM study. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2017; 26:299-313. [PMID: 27019391 PMCID: PMC6998681 DOI: 10.1017/s204579601600010x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The primary aim of this study is to analyse the conformance of usual care patterns for persons with schizophrenia to treatment guidelines in three Italian Departments of Mental Health (DMHs). The secondary aim is to examine possible organisational and structural reasons accounting for variations among DMHs. METHODS Within the framework of the Evaluation of Treatment Appropriateness in Schizophrenia (ETAS) project, 20 consensus quality of care indicators were developed. Ten concerned pharmacological treatment and ten encompassed general care and psychosocial rehabilitation interventions. Indicators were calculated using data from a stratified random sample of 458 patients treated at three DMHs located in North-Eastern, North-Western and Southern Italy. Patients' data were collected by combining information from medical charts and from a survey carried out by the health care professionals in charge of the patients. Data on the structural and organisational characteristics of the DMHs were retrieved from administrative databases. For each indicator, the number and percentage of appropriate interventions with and without moderators were calculated. Appropriateness was defined as the percentage of eligible patients receiving an intervention conformant with guidelines. Moderators, i.e., reasons justifying a discrepancy between the interventions actually provided and that recommended by guidelines were recorded. Indicators based on a sufficient number of eligible patients were further explored in a statistical analysis to compare the performance of the DMHs. RESULTS In the overall sample, the percentage of inappropriate interventions ranged from 11.1 to 59.3% for non-pharmacological interventions and from 5.9 to 66.8% for pharmacological interventions. Comparisons among DMHs revealed significant variability in appropriateness for the indicators 'prevention and monitoring of metabolic effects', 'psychiatric visits', 'psychosocial rehabilitation', 'family involvement' and 'work'. After adjusting the patient's gender, age and functioning, only the indicators 'Prevention and monitoring of metabolic effects', 'psychiatric visits' and 'work' continued to differ significantly among DMHs. The percentage of patients receiving appropriate integrated care (at least one appropriate non-pharmacological intervention and one pharmacological intervention) was significantly different among the three DMHs and lower than expected. CONCLUSIONS Our results underscore discrepancies among Italian DMHs in indicators that explore key aspects of care of patients with schizophrenia. The use of quality indicators and improved guideline adherence can address suboptimal clinical outcomes, and has the potential to reduce practice variations and narrow the gap between optimal and routine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Fantini
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Psichiatria, Torino, Italy
| | - G. Tibaldi
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Psichiatria, Torino, Italy
| | - P. Rucci
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Unit of Hygiene and Biostatistics, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - D. Gibertoni
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Unit of Hygiene and Biostatistics, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M. Vezzoli
- Department of Psychiatry, Local Health Authority, Trento, Italy
| | | | - R. Tiraferri
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Authority Torino 4, Torino, Italy
| | - C. Munizza
- Centro Studi e Ricerche in Psichiatria, Torino, Italy
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Costa JDO, Ceccato MDGB, Melo APS, Acurcio FDA, Guimarães MDC. Gender differences and psychotropic polypharmacy in psychiatric patients in Brazil: a cross-sectional analysis of the PESSOAS Project. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2017; 33:e00168915. [PMID: 28538794 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00168915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of psychotropic polypharmacy in Brazilian psychiatric patients by gender. Sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical data were obtained through face-to-face interviews and medical charts of 2,475 patients. Psychotropic polypharmacy was defined as the use of two or more psychotropic drugs and occurred in 85.7% of men (95%CI: 83.6%-87.6%) and 84.9% of women (95%CI: 82.8%-86.8%; p > 0.05). The mean number of psychotropic drugs/patient was 2.98 ± 1.23 and most common combinations included antipsychotics. Multivariate analysis showed that for both genders, previous hospitalization, severe mental illness, multiple psychiatric diagnoses and an insufficient number of professionals in the health care unit was associated with psychotropic polypharmacy. However, other correlates such as inpatient care, use of non-psychotropic drugs, living in unstable conditions and current smoking vary among them. Psychotropic polypharmacy was a common practice in this national sample. The results highlighted the need for national guidelines to manage patients with mental illness, considering the difference among genders and disease severity, to reduce the burden of polyphamacy in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Paula Souto Melo
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brasil
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McMillan SS, Jacobs S, Wilson L, Theodoros T, Robinson G, Anderson C, Mihala G, Wheeler AJ. Antipsychotic prescribing for vulnerable populations: a clinical audit at an acute Australian mental health unit at two-time points. BMC Psychiatry 2017; 17:139. [PMID: 28407747 PMCID: PMC5390470 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-017-1295-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotics are recognised as a critical intervention for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Guidelines globally endorse the routine practice of antipsychotic monotherapy, at the minimum effective dose. Even in treatment-resistant schizophrenia, clozapine use is endorsed before combining antipsychotics. This aim of this study was to review antipsychotic polytherapy alone, high-dose therapy alone, polytherapy and high-dose prescribing patterns in adults discharged from an inpatient mental health unit at two time-points, and the alignment of this prescribing with clinical guideline recommendations. Additionally, associations with polytherapy and high-dose antipsychotic prescribing, including patient and clinical characteristics, were explored. METHODS A retrospective clinical audit of 400 adults (200 patients at two different time-points) discharged with at least one antipsychotic. Preliminary findings and education sessions were provided to physicians between Cohorts. Outcomes (polytherapy alone, high-dose therapy alone, polytherapy and high-dose therapy) were compared between study Cohorts using chi-squared and rank-sum tests. Associations between outcomes and covariates were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Most patients (62.5%) were discharged on a single antipsychotic within the recommended dose range. There was a clear preference for prescribing second generation antipsychotics, and in this respect, prescribing is aligned with current evidence-based guidelines. However, sub-optimal prescribing practices were identified for both Cohorts in relation to polytherapy and high-dose antipsychotic rates. Involuntary treatment, frequent hospitalisations and previous clozapine use significantly increased the risk of all three prescribing outcomes at discharge. CONCLUSIONS In a significant minority, antipsychotic prescribing did not align with clinical guidelines despite increased training, indicating that the education program alone was ineffective at positively influencing antipsychotic prescribing practices. Further consideration should be given when prescribing antipsychotics for involuntary patients, people with frequent hospitalisations, and those who have previously trialled clozapine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S McMillan
- Menzies Health Insitute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Sara Jacobs
- grid.4563.4Division of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Louise Wilson
- grid.4563.4Division of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Theo Theodoros
- grid.1003.2Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia ,Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Trainee, Melbourne, Victoria Australia ,Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Department of Health, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Gail Robinson
- grid.1022.1Menzies Health Insitute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia ,grid.1003.2Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia ,Metro North Mental Health Services, Department of Health, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Claire Anderson
- grid.4563.4Division of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Gabor Mihala
- grid.1022.1Menzies Health Insitute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amanda J Wheeler
- grid.1022.1Menzies Health Insitute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia ,grid.9654.eFaculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Karadag H, Orsel S, Akkoyunlu S, Kahilogulları AK, Guriz O, Turkcapar H, Hatiloglu U. Comparison of Polypharmacy in Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders in Outpatient and Inpatient Treatment Periods: A Naturalistic One Year Follow-up Study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.5455/bcp.20120419124219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Karadag
- Psychiatry Service of Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital, Ankara - Turkey
| | - Sibel Orsel
- Psychiatry Service of Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital, Ankara - Turkey
| | | | | | - Olga Guriz
- Psychiatry Service of Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital, Ankara - Turkey
| | - Hakan Turkcapar
- Psychiatry Service of Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital, Ankara - Turkey
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Piccinni C, Piazza A, Poluzzi E, Tarricone I, Koci A, Berardi D, Fioritti A, de Ponti F. Social and clinical descriptors of antipsychotic prescription. Int J Psychiatry Med 2015; 49:45-62. [PMID: 25838320 DOI: 10.2190/pm.49.1.d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify descriptors of Antipsychotic (AP) prescription, focusing on second generation antipsychotics (SGAs), polypharmacy, and long-acting injections (LAIs). METHODS Outpatients of the Bologna-Community-Mental-Health-Centres with at least one AP prescription were selected. Patients' characteristics, service utilization, and AP prescriptions were collected from administrative databases. Prescriptions were grouped by class (SGA vs. First Generation Antipsychotics), drug combination (polypharmacy vs. monotherapy), and preparation (LAIs vs. regular administration). Multi-variate analyses were performed to identify prescription descriptors among socio-demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS Among 6,074 patients and 41,121 AP prescriptions, SGAs were used in 70.7% of subjects, AP polypharmacy in 25.3%, and LAIs in 17.5%. SGAs were prescribed more often for young, Italian patients, with higher education, voluntary hospitalization, and high number of visits. Descriptors of AP polypharmacy were: high number of visits and hospitalization, length of treatment, non-urban residency, male gender, unemployment. Characteristics associated to LAI prescription were: long duration of treatment, high number of visits, compulsory admissions, non-Italian nationality, male gender, age > 34, low education, unmarried status. CONCLUSIONS Besides illness severity, this study identified different socio-demographic descriptors of AP choices, raising concerns on the equity of treatments. Efforts should be directed to investigate appropriateness of AP treatments especially in social disadvantaged populations.
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Watanabe Y, Urakami T, Hongo S, Ohtsubo T. Frontal lobe function and social adjustment in patients with schizophrenia: near-infrared spectroscopy. Hum Psychopharmacol 2015; 30:28-41. [PMID: 25408137 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study evaluated relationships between frontal lobe function in patients with schizophrenia and both their social adjustment and medication, using 22-channel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). METHODS One hundred ninety-nine stable patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision schizophrenia, whose medication had not been changed within the preceding 3 months and who were able to visit our clinics for NIRS, were the study subjects. As a comparator, 144 healthy volunteers who underwent a physical examination and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview also received NIRS. RESULTS The main outcomes evaluated were frontal lobe oxyhemoglobin concentration (OxHb) measured by NIRS, current medication, social adjustment, and scores on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. The OxHb in schizophrenic patients (0.878 ± 1.1801 mM mm; n = 199) was significantly lower than that in the healthy volunteers (2.085 ± 1.7480 mM mm: n = 100) (p < 0.001). NIRS-measured OxHb values reflected disease severity and degree of social adjustment in schizophrenic patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients with higher OxHb values were socially better adjusted than those with lower OxHb values. Patients treated with atypical antipsychotic monotherapy showed lower treatment resistance and better social adjustment than those treated with combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Watanabe
- Nanko Clinic of Psychiatry, Fukushima, Japan; Himorogi Psychiatric Institute, Tokyo, Japan
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Fisher MD, Reilly K, Isenberg K, Villa KF. Antipsychotic patterns of use in patients with schizophrenia: polypharmacy versus monotherapy. BMC Psychiatry 2014; 14:341. [PMID: 25433495 PMCID: PMC4264319 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-014-0341-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to characterize real-world treatment patterns in the prescription of antipsychotic polypharmacy (≥ 2 concurrent antipsychotics) compared with antipsychotic monotherapy for patients with schizophrenia. METHODS This study was a retrospective claims-based analysis of patients (aged 13-64 years) with schizophrenia belonging to an employer-based health plan. Duration of therapy was measured as the number of treatment days over one year following the initial date of antipsychotic therapy. Discontinuation was defined as a 90-day gap in antipsychotic treatment (or in at least one antipsychotic for the polypharmacy group). Logistic regression analyses were used to predict discontinuation within one year. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regressions were used to predict duration of therapy (by type of therapy) when controlling for gender, region, number of somatic and psychiatric comorbidities, Deyo-Charlson comorbidity score, and number of psychiatric and somatic medications. RESULTS Of the 4,156 patients, 3,188 received monotherapy and 968 received polypharmacy. Mean age was 40 years (37.8 years for polypharmacy vs 40.3 years for monotherapy, p < 0.001). Within one year, 77% of the polypharmacy group and 54% of the monotherapy group discontinued treatment. The average duration of therapy was 163 [SD = 143] days in the polypharmacy group vs 253 [SD = 147] days in the monotherapy group. In both cohorts, patients <25 years had a higher frequency of discontinuations than those ≥ 26 years. Age and polypharmacy were independent predictors of treatment duration and discontinuation prior to one year. CONCLUSIONS One quarter of patients with schizophrenia received antipsychotic polypharmacy. Discontinuation was higher in the polypharmacy group. Age and polypharmacy were significant predictors of treatment discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxine D Fisher
- HealthCore, Inc., 800 Delaware Ave. 5th Floor Wilmington, Delaware, 19801-1366 USA
| | - Kathleen Reilly
- HealthCore, Inc., 800 Delaware Ave. 5th Floor Wilmington, Delaware, 19801-1366 USA
| | | | - Kathleen F Villa
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 3180 Porter Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA
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Kim HY, Lee HW, Jung SH, Kang MH, Bae JN, Lee JS, Kim CE. Prescription patterns for patients with schizophrenia in Korea: a focus on antipsychotic polypharmacy. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2014; 12:128-36. [PMID: 25191503 PMCID: PMC4153859 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2014.12.2.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study investigated the prescription patterns for Korean patients with schizophrenia with a particular focus on antipsychotic polypharmacy. All data were gathered from patients presenting at 41 tertiary university hospitals and 8 secondary hospitals. Methods Data from three multicenter studies conducted in Korea were retrospectively reviewed and integrated to identify patients with schizophrenia who had their antipsychotic medication switched to paliperidone extended-release between 2008 and 2009. The rates for antipsychotic polypharmacy, combined use of different antipsychotic classes with a special focus on atypical antipsychotics, and psychotropic polypharmacy using benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, and other relevant drugs were identified. Results Of the 851 Korean patients analyzed in this study, 20.4% (n=173) had been prescribed antipsychotic polypharmacy. Of the 678 patients receiving antipsychotic monotherapy, 6.9% (n=47) were prescribed a typical antipsychotic and 93.1% (n=631) were prescribed an atypical antipsychotic. Of the 173 patients receiving a combination of antipsychotic drugs, only 6.4% (n=11) had been prescribed polypharmacy with typical antipsychotics, while 46.82% (n=81) were prescribed atypical+atypical antipsychotics or typical+atypical antipsychotics. The highest co-prescription rates for other psychotropic drugs in conjunction with antipsychotics included benzodiazepines (30.3%), anticholinergic drugs (28.8%), antidepressants (13.3%), β-blockers (10.1%), and mood stabilizers (8.7%). Conclusion The present findings demonstrate that the rate of antipsychotic polypharmacy is relatively low in Korea and that Korean clinicians prefer to prescribe atypical, rather than typical, antipsychotic drugs. This suggests that there is a distinct prescription pattern in Korea that is focused on antipsychotic polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Yun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hee-Won Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Seung-Ho Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Min-Hee Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jae-Nam Bae
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jeong-Seop Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Chul-Eung Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Korea
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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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Jaracz J, Tetera-Rudnicka E, Kujath D, Raczyńska A, Stoszek S, Czernaś W, Wierzbiński P, Moniakowski A, Jaracz K, Rybakowski J. The prevalence of antipsychotic polypharmacy in schizophrenic patients discharged from psychiatric units in Poland. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 66:613-7. [PMID: 24948062 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2014.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The term antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) refers to the concurrent use of two or more antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the range of APP in schizophrenic patients discharged from psychiatric units in Poland, and to determine its demographical and clinical correlates. METHODS Data on the pharmacological treatment of 207 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, discharged from six psychiatric hospitals from September-December 2011 were recorded by experienced psychiatrists. Clinical and demographical information was obtained on each patient. The severity of symptoms at admission, and their improvement during hospitalization were assessed using the Clinical Global Impression Scale. RESULTS At discharge, 52.7% of the patients were prescribed one, 42.5% two and 4.8% three antipsychotic drugs (AP). When two AP were applied, it was usually a combination of two second generation antipsychotics (SGA) (46%), or of both first generation antipsychotics (FGA) and SGA (48%). The SGA's olanzapine and risperidone were those most commonly prescribed. Patients treated with two or more AP had a higher number of previous hospitalizations than patients receiving antipsychotic monotherapy. Mood stabilizers were prescribed for nearly one third of the patients, while antidepressants and benzodiazepines were prescribed for fewer than 10%. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of polypharmacy in Poland is similar to that reported in other countries. This may suggest that, in a substantial proportion of schizophrenic patients clinical response to the antipsychotic monotherapy is unsatisfactory. Further studies focusing on the efficacy and safety of strategies in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia not responding to antipsychotic monotherapy are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Jaracz
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | | | - Dominika Kujath
- The Province Hospital for the Nervously and Mentally Ill, "Dziekanka", Gniezno, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Raczyńska
- The Province Hospital for the Nervously and Mentally Ill, "Dziekanka", Gniezno, Poland
| | - Sebastian Stoszek
- The Province Hospital for the Nervously and Mentally Ill, Cibórz, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Wierzbiński
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | | | - Krystyna Jaracz
- Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Nursing, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Janusz Rybakowski
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Iasevoli F, Buonaguro EF, Marconi M, Di Giovambattista E, Rapagnani MP, De Berardis D, Martinotti G, Mazza M, Balletta R, Serroni N, Di Giannantonio M, de Bartolomeis A, Valchera A. Efficacy and clinical determinants of antipsychotic polypharmacy in psychotic patients experiencing an acute relapse and admitted to hospital stay: results from a cross-sectional and a subsequent longitudinal pilot study. ISRN PHARMACOLOGY 2014; 2014:762127. [PMID: 24592333 PMCID: PMC3921985 DOI: 10.1155/2014/762127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Background. Antipsychotic polypharmacy is used in several psychiatric disorders, despite poor evidence existing to support this practice. Aim. We evaluated whether psychotic patients in acute relapse exposed to antipsychotic polypharmacy (AP + AP) showed different demographic, clinical, or psychopathological features compared to those exposed to one antipsychotic (AP) and whether AP + AP patients showed significantly higher improvement compared to AP patients after a 4-week treatment. Methods. Inpatients were subdivided into AP + AP and AP ones. In the cross-sectional step, patients were compared according to demographics, clinical variables, and scores on rating scales. In the longitudinal step, patients remained for 4 weeks under admission medications and were compared for clinical improvement. Results. AP + AP patients were more frequently diagnosed with schizophrenia and mental retardation as a comorbid illness. AP + AP patients were more frequently under first-generation antipsychotics and had worse clinical presentation. After 4 weeks of treatment, both AP + AP and AP patients improved compared to the baseline. However, AP patients scored significantly less than AP + AP patients at the Clinical Global Impression Scale at the 4-week time point but not at the baseline, indicating a treatment-specific improvement. Conclusions. Antipsychotic polypharmacy may be offered to specific types of psychotic patients. However, efficacy of this strategy is limited at best.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felice Iasevoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University “Federico II” of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta F. Buonaguro
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University “Federico II” of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Marconi
- Hermanas Hospitalarias, Villa San Giuseppe Hospital, 63100 Ascoli Piceno, Italy
| | | | | | - Domenico De Berardis
- NHS, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital “G. Mazzini”, ASL 4, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences and Imaging, University “G. d'Annunzio” of Chieti, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neurosciences and Imaging, University “G. d'Annunzio” of Chieti, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Monica Mazza
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67010 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Raffaele Balletta
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University “Federico II” of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Serroni
- NHS, Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Hospital “G. Mazzini”, ASL 4, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Giannantonio
- Department of Neurosciences and Imaging, University “G. d'Annunzio” of Chieti, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University “Federico II” of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Valchera
- Hermanas Hospitalarias, Villa San Giuseppe Hospital, 63100 Ascoli Piceno, Italy
- FORIPSI, 00199 Rome, Italy
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Roh D, Chang JG, Kim CH, Cho HS, An SK, Jung YC. Antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-dose prescription in schizophrenia: a 5-year comparison. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2014; 48:52-60. [PMID: 23671214 DOI: 10.1177/0004867413488221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The co-prescription of multiple antipsychotic drugs continues to increase despite a lack of evidence supporting this practice. The purpose of this study was to quantify and describe recent trends of antipsychotic polypharmacy in Korean schizophrenic inpatients by comparing prescribed medications between the years of 2005 and 2010. METHODS We reviewed comprehensive medication profiles of schizophrenic patients discharged from a university psychiatric hospital in 2005 (n=194) or 2010 (n=201). Antipsychotic polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent receipt of two or more chemically distinct antipsychotics for at least 14 days. High antipsychotic dose was defined as a prescribed daily dose to defined daily dose ratio of greater than 1.5. RESULTS Antipsychotic polypharmacy increased between 2005 (37.1%) and 2010 (48.3%, p=0.025). The most frequently used drug within combinations of antipsychotics was haloperidol in 2005 (51.4%) and quetiapine in 2010 (48.5%). Overall, no changes were observed between 2005 and 2010 in the rate of prescribing high-dose antipsychotics. High-dose antipsychotic monotherapy decreased across years (from 30.4 to 18.4%), but high-dose antipsychotic polypharmacy increased (from 34.0 to 45.3%). Regression analysis revealed that antipsychotic polypharmacy was strongly associated with high doses of prescribed antipsychotics (odds ratio=18.60, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The practice of prescribing multiple antipsychotics to patients with schizophrenia is increasing, and high-dose antipsychotic drugs are more likely to be prescribed in combination than in isolation. The reasons for this pattern of prescription and its impact warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daeyoung Roh
- 1Severence Mental Health Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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Tani H, Uchida H, Suzuki T, Fujii Y, Mimura M. Interventions to reduce antipsychotic polypharmacy: a systematic review. Schizophr Res 2013; 143:215-20. [PMID: 23158205 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2012.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 09/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It still remains unclear as to how to counteract antipsychotic polypharmacy that remains controversial but common. The objective of this study was to synthesize the clinical evidence to reduce antipsychotic polypharmacy (i.e. use of multiple antipsychotics) in schizophrenia. METHODS A literature search was performed to identify clinical trials that attempted to reduce antipsychotic polypharmacy in patients with schizophrenia by any form of systematic intervention using PubMed as well as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO (last search: June 2012). The search terms included "antipsychotics" and "polypharmacy". Cross-referencing was also performed. RESULTS The literature search identified 17 studies. Only 3 studies (1 randomized controlled trial and 2 open-label trials) were found that systematically switched antipsychotic polypharmacy to monotherapy. In two of them, more than two thirds of the subjects successfully completed the switch (40/58, 69.0%; 34/44, and 77.3%, respectively) while less than half the subjects tolerated it in the other study (6/14 and 42.9%) although the sample size was very small. On the other hand, 14 studies that examined impacts of interventions have physicians refrain from antipsychotic polypharmacy. While a modest intervention with educational approach alone was effective in three of the five articles, a more assertive intervention that directly cautioned physicians on the use of polypharmacy was effective in 10 of 12 articles. CONCLUSION The literature search revealed the paucity of the data. Careful switching from polypharmacy to monotherapy seems feasible in a majority of patients with schizophrenia. Assertive interventions, rather than passive educational approaches alone, appear more effective in reducing antipsychotic polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Tani
- Department of Psychiatry, Yamanashi Prefectural Kita Hospital, Yamanashi, Japan
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Correll CU, Gallego JA. Antipsychotic polypharmacy: a comprehensive evaluation of relevant correlates of a long-standing clinical practice. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2012; 35:661-81. [PMID: 22929872 PMCID: PMC3717367 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) is common in the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The literature indicates that APP is related to patient, illness, and treatment variables that are proxy measures for greater illness acuity, severity, complexity, and chronicity. The largely unknown relative risks and benefits of APP need to be weighed against the known risks and benefits of clozapine for treatment-resistant patients. To inform evidence-based clinical practice, controlled, high-quality antipsychotic combination and discontinuation trials are necessary to determine the effectiveness, safety, and role of APP in the management of severely ill patients with insufficient response to antipsychotic monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph U. Correll
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Division of Psychiatry Research, North Shore-LIJ Health System, 75-59, 263rd Street, Glen Oaks, NY 11004, USA,Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA,Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA,The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA,Corresponding author.
| | - Juan A. Gallego
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Division of Psychiatry Research, North Shore-LIJ Health System, 75-59, 263rd Street, Glen Oaks, NY 11004, USA,The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
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Ito H, Okumura Y, Higuchi T, Tan CH, Shinfuku N. International variation in antipsychotic prescribing for schizophrenia: Pooled results from the research on East Asia psychotropic prescription (reap) studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/ojpsych.2012.224048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Tsutsumi C, Uchida H, Suzuki T, Watanabe K, Takeuchi H, Nakajima S, Kimura Y, Tsutsumi Y, Ishii K, Imasaka Y, Kapur S. The evolution of antipsychotic switch and polypharmacy in natural practice--a longitudinal perspective. Schizophr Res 2011; 130:40-6. [PMID: 21624824 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2011.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Revised: 05/09/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most patients with schizophrenia first start with a single antipsychotic, and yet most finally end up 'switching' or using 'polypharmacy'. The objective of this study was to examine the evolution of antipsychotic switch and polypharmacy in the real-world from a longitudinal perspective. METHODS A systematic review of longitudinal antipsychotic prescriptions in 300 patients with schizophrenia (ICD-10) for up to 2 years after their first visit to one of the 4 participating psychiatric clinics in Tokyo, Japan between January, 2007 and June, 2008, was conducted. Reasons for prescription change were also examined. The evolution of switching and polypharmacy was studied, and prescribed doses were compared to suggested dose ranges by the Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP). RESULTS 208 patients started their antipsychotic treatment with monotherapy. 34.1% of the patients gave up monotherapy with an initial antipsychotic to move to antipsychotic switch (27.4%) and/or polypharmacy (17.8%) within 2 years. The main reason for antipsychotic switch was 'ineffectiveness'; interestingly, this happened despite the fact that the monotherapy dose was below the recommended range in 47.4% of the antipsychotic switch. In a subgroup of 100 patients who started as antipsychotic-free, 2-year prevalence rates of switching and antipsychotic polypharmacy were 27.0% and 18.0%, respectively, and polypharmacy was resorted to after a median of 1 antipsychotic had been tried for 84 days (median). CONCLUSIONS These findings raise a concern that physicians may perform an antipsychotic switch without exploring the entire dose range and resort to antipsychotic polypharmacy without trying an adequate number of antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisa Tsutsumi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
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