Community treatment orders and antipsychotic long-acting injections

Long-acting antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia: opportunities and challenges

INTRODUCTION

Maintenance antipsychotic treatment improves multiple outcomes in people with schizophrenia. These benefits are challenged by medication nonadherence, which is a common occurrence. Long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) formulations were developed to reduce nonadherence and thereby improve outcomes. This narrative review is based on a PubMed search (January 2000 - August 2022) for studies on LAI antipsychotics.

AREAS COVERED

Opportunities and challenges associated with LAIs are reviewed. Advantages, compared to oral antipsychotics (OAs), include improved adherence, reduced relapse and hospitalization risk, delayed and lower relapse risk after stopping treatment, and the ability to differentiate true treatment resistance from 'pseudo'-resistance. Additionally, LAIs are associated with lower all-cause mortality than OAs. LAIs are under-used in many services, partly reflecting negative attitudes, misconceptions, and lack of knowledge among clinicians, patients, and carers. Practical barriers to LAI use include acquisition costs and inadequate service structures to administer/monitor LAI treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

The education and engagement of clinicians, patients and caregivers can assist more informed decision-making regarding LAIs. Future research regarding LAIs should encompass multiple complementary designs, focus on functionality and recovery outcomes, and include groups at high risk of relapse, including those with comorbid substance use disorders and early in the course of schizophrenia.

Compulsory treatment order and rehospitalisation: A New Zealand study

OBJECTIVE

The effectiveness of compulsory treatment orders (CTO) in psychiatric practice is an area in need of evidence. There are no recent New Zealand publications on outcomes for patients under CTOs. This study examined the association between CTOs and subsequent rehospitalisation for patients with schizophrenia or related disorders.

METHOD

Two year outcome data for 326 consecutive patients discharged in 2013 and 2014 was obtained from the Programme for the Integration of Mental Health Data database. Regression analyses were performed with rehospitalisation as the main outcome.

RESULTS

For the 54% of patients discharged under CTOs, rehospitalisation was 2-4 times more likely for the CTO group than for voluntary patients. Patients under CTOs also spent longer in hospital post index admission (IA). However, patients placed under CTOs during IA stayed longer than those under CTOs prior to IA. Ethnicity did not contribute significantly to any of the findings.

CONCLUSION

This study did not show that patients under CTOs were associated with subsequent reduced resource use. The subgroup analysis suggested that studies with a longer follow-up period may provide better insight into the utility of CTOs.

Compulsory Community Treatment Orders in New Zealand and the provision of care: An examination of national databases and predictors of outcome

BACKGROUND

Compulsory Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) are contentious because they impose severe restrictions on individuals in community settings. The existing evidence for CTOs is constrained by ethical and methodological limitations and may not support usual clinical practise. This study examines the effectiveness of CTOs using routine data in the New Zealand context.

METHODS

Ministry of Health, New Zealand databases provided demographic, service use, and medication dispensing data for all individuals placed on a CTO between 2009 and 2018. We examined the effectiveness of CTOs through a comparison of psychiatric endpoints identified as useful in the literature according to CTO status. Further analyses examined the moderating influences of age, sex, ethnicity, and diagnosis on outcome.

FINDINGS

14,726 patients were placed under a CTO over the 10 year period between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2018. Patients on CTOs experienced a reduced frequency of admissions (rate ratio of 0∙94, 95% CI 0.93-0.95, p<0.01) reduced admission days (rate ratio 0∙97, 95% CI 0.97-0.98 p<0∙01), increased frequency of psychiatric community contacts (rate ratio 3∙03, 95% CI 3.02-3.03 p<0.01), and increased dispensing of psychiatric medication (rate ratio 2.27, 95% CI 2.27-2.28, p<0.01). When sub-group analyses were undertaken, the association between treatment under a CTO and reduced admission frequency was only present for those with Psychotic Disorders.

INTERPRETATION

CTOs in New Zealand are associated with increased community care, and increased dispensing of psychiatric medication. Patients with Psychotic Disorders also experienced reduced frequency and length of admissions whilst under a CTO.

FUNDING

No specific funding was received for this study.

Characteristics of people on long-acting injectable antipsychotics in Australia: Data from the 2010 National Survey of High Impact Psychosis

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates (1) the proportion of people with psychosis who are on long-acting injectable antipsychotics; (2) the difference in the demographic, clinical, substance use and adverse drug reaction profiles of people taking long-acting injectables compared to oral antipsychotics; and (3) the differences in the same profiles of those on first-generation antipsychotic versus second-generation antipsychotic long-acting injectables.

METHODS

Data were collected as part of the Survey of High Impact Psychosis. For this study, participants with diagnoses of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were on any antipsychotic medication were included (N = 1049).

RESULTS

Nearly a third (31.5%) of people with psychosis were on long-acting injectables, of whom 49.7% were on first-generation antipsychotic long-acting injectables and 47.9% were on second-generation antipsychotic long-acting injectables. This contrasts with oral antipsychotics where there was a higher utilisation of second-generation antipsychotics (86.3%). Of note, compared to those on the oral formulation, people on long-acting injectables were almost four times more likely to be under a community treatment order. Furthermore, people on long-acting injectables were more likely to have a longer duration of illness, reduced degree of insight, increased cognitive impairment as well as poor personal and social functioning. They also reported more adverse drug reactions. Compared to those on first-generation antipsychotic long-acting injectables, people on SGA long-acting injectables were younger and had had a shorter duration of illness. They were also more likely to experience dizziness and increased weight, but less likely to experience muscle stiffness or tenseness.

CONCLUSION

Long-acting injectable use in Australia is associated with higher rates of community treatment order use, as well as poorer insight, personal and social performance, and greater cognitive impairment. While long-acting injectables may have the potential to improve the prognosis of people with psychosis, a better understanding of the choices behind the utilisation of long-acting injectable treatment in Australia is urgently needed.

Sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with discharge under compulsory treatment orders

OBJECTIVE

To document the sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with discharge under compulsory treatment orders in patients with schizophrenia or related disorders.

METHOD

Information on various sociodemographic and clinical variables were extracted from the clinical files of 349 patients discharged from an adult (age 18-65) inpatient psychiatric unit with diagnoses of schizophrenia or related disorders. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses with legal compulsion (compulsory versus voluntary) as outcomes were applied.

RESULTS

Two hundred of the 349 discharged patients were placed under compulsory treatment orders. In the univariate logistic regression analysis, unemployment, diagnosis of schizophrenia, forensic history, dosage of antipsychotics, prescription and frequency of injectable antipsychotics, polypharmacy and a hospital stay of more than 28 days were associated with compulsory status. Being married or in partnership and living with partner was associated with voluntary status. Multiple regression models respectively confirmed most of these relationships observed in the univariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

Clarification of the apparent drivers for compulsory treatment may help thoughtful reductions in the use of compulsion.

Is higher psychotropic medication burden associated with involuntary treatment under the Mental Health Act? A four-year Australian cohort study

BACKGROUND

Involuntary treatment for individuals who lack sufficient capacity to make informed decisions regarding treatment has been associated with increased rates of injectable antipsychotics, antipsychotic polytherapy, and/or high doses. However, little is known about non-antipsychotic psychotropic prescription, or psychotropic medication burden as a more encompassing approach for people treated involuntarily. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between Mental Health Act (MHA) status and psychotropic polypharmacy and/or high-dose medication prescribing practices in an Australian inpatient mental health unit.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 800 adults discharged from a large metropolitan Queensland mental health unit was undertaken. Data was collected for 200 individuals, discharged on at least one psychotropic medicine, at four time periods; Cohort 1 (on or before 31st January 2014), Cohort 2 (2015), Cohort 3 (2016) and Cohort 4 (2017). The number of prescribed medicines and total daily doses were recorded and reviewed for alignment with current clinical guidelines. Participant demographics and clinical characteristics were compared by individual MHA status using chi-square test for categorical variables and analysis of variance for continuous variables. Associations between MHA status and prescribing practices (psychotropic polypharmacy and/or high-dose prescribing) were assessed using bivariate and multivariate binomial logistic regression models. Age, gender, birth country, year of admission, admissions in previous 12 months, primary diagnosis, ECT/clozapine treatment, and other psychotropic medications were adjusted as covariates.

RESULTS

Regression analysis found that compared to their voluntary counterparts, individuals treated involuntarily were 2.7 times more likely to be prescribed an antipsychotic at discharge, 8.8 times more likely to be prescribed more than one antipsychotic at discharge and 1.65 times more likely to be prescribed high-dose antipsychotic treatment at discharge. The adjusted model also found that they were half as likely to be prescribed an antidepressant at discharge.

CONCLUSION

Implicit review of justifications for increased psychotropic medication burden (antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-doses) in those treated involuntarily is required to ensure clinical outcomes and overall quality of life are improved in this vulnerable group. Clearly documented medication histories, reconciliation at discharge and directions for medication management after discharge are necessary to ensure quality use of medicines.

Community compulsion in Scotland: a descriptive analysis

Aims and method

Community compulsion via community compulsory treatment orders is used routinely in Scotland. We aimed to describe the common characteristics of individuals subject to community compulsion. We collected standardised information from a national database about individuals subject to community compulsion and compared them with people subject to hospital detention.

Results

Analysis of 499 cases revealed that the majority of individuals subject to community compulsion had a psychotic illness, had a history of non-adherence to services and treatment, and were more likely than not to be in receipt of a long-acting injection of antipsychotic medication. Patients subject to community compulsion were clinically similar to patients subject to hospital-based treatment orders and usually were considered to pose a risk to other people.

Clinical implications

Community compulsion has been widely adopted despite a relative lack of supporting scientific evidence. Our findings are similar to those of other related studies and highlight that individuals with a psychotic illness who are ambivalent about treatment and who pose a risk to self or others are likely to be considered for community compulsion.

Community treatment orders and their use in the UK

Despite the lack of supportive scientific evidence, the uptake of community treatment orders (CTOs) in England and Wales since their introduction in late 2008 has been higher than expected, although there has been a relative dearth of second opinion appointed doctors. In Scotland, CTOs now constitute about 30% of all long-term civil detentions, with lack of insight and lack of treatment adherence given as the major reasons for CTO use. Ethical considerations such as balancing autonomy against health needs will continue to be weighed by clinicians considering compulsory treatment in the community.

Supervised community treatment: 2-year follow-up study in Suffolk

Aims and method

To describe the use of community treatment orders (CTOs) and outcomes for patients placed under CTOs within the first 8 months of use in Suffolk. We performed retrospective and prospective examination of health records to collect sociodemographic and clinical measurements with a specific data-collection tool.

Results

All of the patients studied had a major psychotic mental illness. A significant proportion of the patients had a history of alcohol or substance misuse and contact with judicial services. Implementation of a CTO was associated with an increase in engagement, a decrease in the number of admissions, and increased time spent outside hospital.

Clinical implications

This small localised study indicates that supervised community treatment can have benefits for some patients. The challenge now is to examine the practice of supervised community treatment and to receive meaningful feedback from people who are subject to such treatment.

Patients on outpatient commitment orders in Northern Norway

BACKGROUND

In recent years, an increasing number of countries have introduced outpatient commitment orders (OC), which imply that patients can be subject to compulsory follow-up and treatment while living in the community. However, few studies on how OC is practised have been published.

METHOD

Retrospective case register study based on medical files of all patients receiving an OC order in 2008-2012. We used a pre/post design, recording the use of inpatient services three years before and three years after for those patients who received their first ever OC order in 2008 and 2009.

RESULTS

A total of 345 OC orders applying to 286 persons were identified in the study period 2008-2012. Incidence and prevalence rates were relatively stable, but decreased during the last years of the study period. For all the 54 patients receiving their first ever OC order in 2008 and 2009, need for treatment was the reason for imposing OC, and all received psychotropic medication. The number of inpatient admissions and inpatient days was greater, while the number of days for each admission was lower three years after the OC order than three years before. The first ever OC lasted under a year for 76% of the patients. Receiving depot medication and follow-up by psychiatrists predicted longer OC durations than such treatment and care by psychologists. Only nine patients were not hospitalized during the three-year follow-up after the first ever OC order.

CONCLUSION

Patients on first ever OC orders in Northern Norway used inpatient services more after OC orders than before. Further studies are needed to explore whether increased use of inpatient services by OC patients is beneficial or a failure of OC.

Coercion in mental health: a trial of the effectiveness of community treatment orders and an investigation of informal coercion in community mental health care

Background

Coercion comprisesformal coercionorcompulsion[treatment under a section of the Mental Health Act (MHA)] andinformal coercion(a range of treatment pressures, includingleverage). Community compulsion was introduced in England and Wales as community treatment orders (CTOs) in 2008, despite equivocal evidence of effectiveness. Little is known about the nature and operation of informal coercion.

Design

The programme comprised three studies, with associated substudies: Oxford Community Treatment Order Evaluation Trial (OCTET) – a study of CTOs comprising a randomised controlled trial comparing treatment on CTO to voluntary treatment via Section 17 Leave (leave of absence during treatment under section of the MHA), with 12-month follow-up, an economic evaluation, a qualitative study, an ethical analysis, the development of a new measure of capabilities and a detailed legal analysis of the trial design; OCTET Follow-up Study – a follow-up at 36 months; and Use of Leverage Tools to Improve Adherence in community Mental Health care (ULTIMA) – a study of informal coercion comprising a quantitative cross-sectional study of leverage, a qualitative study of patient and professional perceptions, and an ethical analysis.

Participants

Participants in the OCTET Study were 336 patients with psychosis diagnoses, currently admitted involuntarily and considered for ongoing community treatment under supervision. Participants in the ULTIMA Study were 417 patients from Assertive Outreach Teams, Community Mental Health Teams and substance misuse services.

Outcomes

The OCTET Trial primary outcome was psychiatric readmission. Other outcomes included measures of hospitalisation, a range of clinical and social measures, and a newly developed measure of capabilities – the Oxford Capabilities Questionnaire – Mental Health. For the follow-up study, the primary outcome was the level of disengagement during the 36 months.

Results

Community treatment order use did not reduce the rate of readmission [(59 (36%) of 166 patients in the CTO group vs. 60 (36%) of 167 patients in the non-CTO group; adjusted relative risk 1.0 (95% CI 0.75 to 1.33)] or any other outcome. There were no differences for any subgroups. There was no evidence that it might be cost-effective. Qualitative work suggested that CTOs’ (perceived) focus on medication adherence may influence how they are experienced. No general ethical justification was found for the use of a CTO regime. At 36-month follow-up, only 19 patients (6% of 329 patients) were no longer in regular contact with services. Longer duration of compulsion was associated with longer time to disengagement (p = 0.023) and fewer periods of discontinuity (p < 0.001). There was no difference in readmission outcomes over 36 months. Patients with longer CTO duration spent fewer nights in hospital. One-third (35%) of the ULTIMA sample reported lifetime experiences of leverage, lower than in the USA (51%), but patterns of leverage experience were similar. Reporting leverage made little difference to patients’ perceived coercion. Patients’ experiences of pressure were wide-ranging and pervasive, and perceived to come from family, friends and themselves, as well as professionals. Professionals were committed to patient-centred approaches, but felt obliged to assert authority when patients relapsed. We propose a five-step framework for determining the ethical status of offers by mental health professionals and give detailed guidance for professionals about how to exercise leverage.

Conclusions

Community Treatment Orders do not deliver clinical or social functioning benefits for patients. In the absence of further trials, moves should be made to restrict or stop their use. Informal coercion is widespread and takes different forms.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN73110773.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research programme.

Are community treatment orders counterproductive?

OBJECTIVE

This article briefly reviews the literature pertaining to community treatment orders (CTOs) specifically how and why they are utilised and how effective mandated community treatment really is. This review discusses the use of CTOs in the context of the recovery model.

CONCLUSIONS

This article highlights the shortfalls in the current CTO system while also demonstrating the increase in acute coercive care. The literature pertaining to the effectiveness of CTOs is inconsistent with more recent reviews denoting that there is now robust evidence the CTOs are not effective. Further treatment that aligns with the recovery model as oppose to mandated treatment is known to increase treatment compliance.

Little evidence for community treatment orders - a battle fought with heavy weapons

This editorial discusses the pros and cons of community treatment orders (CTOs) from the perspective of community general adult psychiatry. There is little scientific evidence supporting the application of CTOs. Preconditions of a CTO to work are likely to be met by few patients. The time for the application of a CTO may be better spent for patient-centred care until there is sufficient new and robust evidence that identifies the patients that might profit.

Community treatment orders: clinical and social outcomes, and a subgroup analysis from the OCTET RCT

OBJECTIVE

Despite widespread use internationally, there is no convincing evidence that community treatment orders (CTO) (legal regimes making out-patient treatment compulsory), reduce readmission rates or have wider patient benefit. The primary and secondary outcomes of the Oxford Community Treatment Order Evaluation Trial (OCTET) (hospitalisation) showed no benefit. This article will, first, test the effect of community compulsion on wider clinical and social outcomes and on patients' experiences of services and the use of treatment pressure and second, explore differential effects in different groups of patients.

METHOD

OCTET is a RCT of CTO effectiveness. Three hundred and thirty-six patients were randomised and data for the 333 eligible patients were collected from interviews and medical records at baseline, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference at 12 months between the two arms in any of the reported outcomes, except a small difference in patients' view of the effectiveness of treatment pressure, which is unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Two statistically significant interactions were found in the subgroup analysis: symptoms interacted with age and with education, but no pattern was demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

CTOs do not have benefit on any of the tested outcomes, or for any subgroup of patients. Their continued use should be carefully reconsidered.

Use of community treatment orders in an inner-London assertive outreach service

Aims and method To compare admission rates and bed occupancy before and after the introduction of community treatment orders (CTOs) in 37 assertive outreach service patients. The effect of CTOs on treatment adherence and illicit drug use were also evaluated. The views of patients and care coordinators were obtained through a focus group. Results When CTOs were introduced, admission rates fell from 3.3 to 0.3 per year and average bed occupancy declined from 133.2 to 10.8 days per year. Treatment adherence improved from 4 (10.8%) to 31 (83.7%) patients, and an objective reduction in substance misuse was observed in 25 (67.5%) patients. Whereas patients expressed ambivalence towards CTOs, their care coordinators generally had a more positive view. Clinical implications The decline in hospital usage following the introduction of CTOs is encouraging and could reflect improved adherence and engagement through intensive case management, leading to a reduction in readmissions. However, further studies need to look at quality of life, cost-effectiveness and the impact on patients.

We need to talk about depot: effect of Community Treatment Order on depot antipsychotic medication compliance

OBJECTIVE

The current study compares the compliance rates of patients on depot who were on Community Treatment Orders with those who were not on such Order with a view to objectively quantify the effect of Community Treatment Orders on depot antipsychotics medication compliance.

METHODS

"Day difference" measurements between the scheduled depot data and the administered date were collected for both voluntary and involuntary patients receiving depot medication at the same community clinic over a 6-month period.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated a trend for greater compliance to depot medications by those not on a Community Treatment Order compared with those who were, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study highlighted that while Community Treatment Order may be a reasonable short-term tool to encourage patients' compliance at an early treatment stage, ongoing effort should be put into improving patients' attitude towards depot medications to ensure a better long-term outcome for individuals with schizophrenia.

Nonadherence with antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia: challenges and management strategies

Nonadherence with medication occurs in all chronic medical disorders. It is a particular challenge in schizophrenia due to the illness's association with social isolation, stigma, and comorbid substance misuse, plus the effect of symptom domains on adherence, including positive and negative symptoms, lack of insight, depression, and cognitive impairment. Nonadherence lies on a spectrum, is often covert, and is underestimated by clinicians, but affects more than one third of patients with schizophrenia per annum. It increases the risk of relapse, rehospitalization, and self-harm, increases inpatient costs, and lowers quality of life. It results from multiple patient, clinician, illness, medication, and service factors, but a useful distinction is between intentional and unintentional nonadherence. There is no gold standard approach to the measurement of adherence as all methods have pros and cons. Interventions to improve adherence include psychoeducation and other psychosocial interventions, antipsychotic long-acting injections, electronic reminders, service-based interventions, and financial incentives. These overlap, all have some evidence of effectiveness, and the intervention adopted should be tailored to the individual. Psychosocial interventions that utilize combined approaches seem more effective than unidimensional approaches. There is increasing interest in electronic reminders and monitoring systems to enhance adherence, eg, Short Message Service text messaging and real-time medication monitoring linked to smart pill containers or an electronic ingestible event marker. Financial incentives to enhance antipsychotic adherence raise ethical issues, and their place in practice remains unclear. Simple pragmatic strategies to improve medication adherence include shared decision-making, regular assessment of adherence, simplification of the medication regimen, ensuring that treatment is effective and that side effects are managed, and promoting a positive therapeutic alliance and good communication between the clinician and patient. These elements remain essential for all patients, not least for the small minority where vulnerability and risk issue dictate that compulsory treatment is necessary to ensure adherence.

Factors associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-dose antipsychotics among individuals receiving compulsory treatment in the community

Community treatment orders (CTOs) are a form of compulsory treatment of individuals with a mental illness in the community. The objectives of this study were to determine the demographic, clinical, and treatment plan factors associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-dose antipsychotics among individuals issued with a CTO. This was a secondary analysis of all 377 individuals who were prescribed an antipsychotic, extracted from a retrospective study of 378 individuals issued with a CTO by the New South Wales Mental Health Review Tribunal in Australia in 2009. Deidentified information relating to individuals' treatment plans, demographic, and clinical details were systematically extracted. Of the 377 individuals, 121 (32%) were prescribed antipsychotic polypharmacy and 101 (27%) high-dose antipsychotics. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for factors associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-dose antipsychotics were computed using binary logistic regression. There was a strong association between the use of antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-dose antipsychotics (P < 0.001). Only treatment plan factors were associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-dose antipsychotics in adjusted models. Although first-generation long-acting injectable antipsychotics and clozapine were associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy (adjusted OR, 9.12; 95% CI, 4.21-19.74; adjusted OR, 7.97; 95% CI, 2.93-21.72), oral second-generation antipsychotics and risperidone long-acting injection were associated with high-dose antipsychotics (adjusted OR, 5.67; 95% CI, 2.89-11.12; adjusted OR, 8.14; 95% CI, 3.22-20.53). Therefore, the use of antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-dose antipsychotics among individuals issued with CTOs is associated only with the drugs prescribed in their treatment plans and not their individual demographic and clinical characteristics.

A retrospective study of psychotropic drug use among individuals with mental illness issued a community treatment order

BACKGROUND

Community treatment orders (CTOs) are legal orders which require individuals with mental illness to accept treatment in the community. Previous studies report that long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics are associated with CTOs, however, little is known about the specific treatment plans prescribed in CTOs. The objective of this study was to describe the patterns of psychotropic drugs prescribed to individuals issued a CTO, focusing on LAI antipsychotics, antipsychotic polypharmacy and high-dose antipsychotics.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 378 individuals randomly selected from a sample of 1317 individuals with a CTO expiry date up to and including 30 April 2010, taken from all 2856 individuals issued a CTO by the New South Wales Mental Health Review Tribunal, Australia, in 2009. De-identified information relating to individuals' treatment plans, demographic and clinical details were systematically extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 377 (99.7%) individuals were prescribed at least one antipsychotic. Of these, 310 (82%) were prescribed a LAI antipsychotic, either alone (45%), or in combination with, an oral antipsychotic (37%). Risperidone was the most prevalent antipsychotic, prescribed to 164 (43%) individuals. Antipsychotic polypharmacy was prescribed to 121 (32%) individuals and between 20% and 27% of individuals were prescribed high-dose antipsychotics. Antipsychotic polypharmacy accounted for 74-80% of individuals prescribed high-dose antipsychotics.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study confirm that LAI antipsychotics are commonly prescribed in CTOs. Antipsychotic polypharmacy was also common, and accounted for the majority of individuals prescribed high-dose antipsychotics. Further research is needed to determine the potential outcomes and implications of the patterns observed.

Naturalistic outcomes of community treatment orders: antipsychotic long-acting injections versus oral medication

BACKGROUND

Community treatment orders (CTOs) are initiated to compel the patient in the community to take part in a management plan, of which medication is often a part. CTOs were introduced in 2008, in England and Wales. We evaluated naturalistic outcomes of CTOs, according to the antipsychotic formulation prescribed at CTO initiation.

METHODS

A cohort study with prospective consecutive sampling and 1-year follow-up was conducted in a large mental health trust in South London. Measures included: demographics, psychotropics and CTO outcomes. Comparison groups were long-acting injection (LAI) versus oral formulations only, for the primary outcomes of time to CTO cessation in days and time to first hospital admission in days, whilst the CTO remained active.

RESULTS

For the 188 included patients, the CTO ceased within 1 year, either due to revocation (22.3%), discharge (28.1%) or lapse (19.7%). The CTO was renewed at 6 months for 92 (48.9%) patients, and then 56 (29.8%) were renewed again at 12 months. The antipsychotic formulation at CTO initiation was more likely to be LAI (60.6%) than oral (39.4%). Time to CTO cessation was longer for LAI than oral (median 251 versus 182 days, p = 0.030). A total of 54 patients experienced at least one admission; there was no difference between groups by drug formulation (oral 28.4% versus LAI 28.9%, p = 0.933). The mean time to first admission was 147.1 days and did not differ by formulation.

CONCLUSIONS

CTO duration was longer for those prescribed an antipsychotic LAI at CTO initiation, although the time to first admission and number of admissions did not differ between groups. CTOs not only compel treatment, but bind services to the patient, resulting in more intensive follow up. Whether enhanced treatment, via oral or LAI and enabled by the CTO, translates into improved clinical outcomes is yet to be determined.

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics: evidence of effectiveness and use

OBJECTIVE

To review the evidence for the role of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics (APs), especially the second-generation AP (SGA) LAIs, in the treatment of schizophrenia and to discuss the use rates of LAIs in Canada.

METHOD

A search of online medical databases was conducted of the published literature (1995-2012) of the effects of LAIs on the domains of remission, adherence, relapse, and hospitalization. Results obtained from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large-scale observational studies were included. Expert consensus data were also solicited on LAI use within a Canadian context.

RESULTS

While the efficacy of LAIs, compared with placebo, is well established, the evidence from RCTs is equivocal for any specific advantage for SGA LAIs, compared with oral medications, probably owing to challenges in conducting such RCTs. Evidence from methodologically less rigorous studies and from clinical practice suggests some advantages in achieving and maintaining remission, risk of relapse, and hospitalization. The rate of LAI (first-generation AP and SGA) use from published outpatient studies is low at 6.3% in Canada, compared with 15% to 80% worldwide. However, there is a relatively high rate of use in specific early psychosis programs and in conjunction with community treatment orders in Canada.

CONCLUSIONS

LAIs are at least as effective as oral APs in the treatment of psychotic disorders. The former may have specific advantages for patients who demonstrate covert nonadherence. The underuse of LAIs in Canada needs to be better understood and addressed.

The knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists towards antipsychotic long-acting injections in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotic long-acting injections (LAIs) reduce covert nonadherence with medication in the clinical management of psychotic disorders. However, they are variably utilised by clinicians, especially in the long term. Factors including poor knowledge, stigma and perceived coercion can all adversely influence LAI utilisation. Previous research has emanated almost exclusively from developed countries. This study explores the knowledge and attitudes of psychiatrists and trainees in Nigeria towards LAIs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken among mental health professionals in Nigeria using a pre-existing questionnaire.

RESULTS

Participant psychiatrists (n = 128) expressed positive attitudes towards LAIs. Their knowledge concerning LAIs and its side effects was fair. The participants reported that nearly half (41.7%) of their patients with a psychotic illness were on LAIs. Those who reported a high prescribing rate for LAIs (>40%) were more likely to endorse more positive 'patient-centred attitudes' (p < 0.04). In contrast to previous reports, psychiatrists reported that patients were less likely to feel ashamed when on LAIs, though most endorsed the statement that force was required during LAI administration.

CONCLUSION

The desirability of treatment by injections differs in Africa in comparison to Western cultures, possibly due to the increased potency that injections are perceived to have. This is perhaps evidenced by high rates reported for use of LAIs. Nigerian psychiatrists had positive attitudes to LAIs but their knowledge, particularly regarding side effects, was fair and needs to be improved. Providing information to patients prior to antipsychotic treatment may enhance informed consent in a country where medical paternalism is still relatively strong.

Increased use of antipsychotic long-acting injections with community treatment orders

BACKGROUND

Community treatment orders (CTOs) are increasingly being used, despite a weak evidence base, and problems continue regarding Second Opinion Appointed Doctor (SOAD) certification of medication.

AIMS

The aim of the current study was to describe current CTO usage regarding patient characteristics, prescribed medication and CTO conditions.

METHOD

A 1-year prospective cohort study with consecutive sampling was conducted for all patients whose CTO was registered in a large mental health trust. Only the first CTO for each patient was included. Measures included sociodemographic variables, psychiatric diagnosis, CTO date of initiation and conditions, psychotropic medication and date of SOAD certification for medication. This study was conducted in the first year of CTO legislation in England and Wales.

RESULTS

A total of195 patients were sampled (mean age 40.6 years, 65% male, 52% black ethnic origin). There was significant geographical variability in rates of CTO use (χ(2) = 11.3, p = 0.012). A total of 53% had their place of residence specified as a condition and 29% were required to allow access into their homes. Of those with schizophrenia, 64% were prescribed an antipsychotic long-acting injection (LAI). Of the total group, 7% received high-dose antipsychotics, 10% were prescribed two antipsychotics and only 15% received SOAD certification in time.

CONCLUSIONS

There was geographical and ethnic variation in CTO use but higher rates of hospital detention in minority ethnic groups may be contributory. Most patients were prescribed antipsychotic LAIs and CTO conditions may not follow the least restrictive principle.

Antipsychotic long-acting injections: mind the gap

Long-acting injections of antipsychotic medication (or depots) were developed specifically to promote treatment adherence and are a valuable option for maintenance medication in psychotic illnesses. Approximately 40-60% of patients with schizophrenia are partially or totally non-adherent to their antipsychotic regimen, but only 30% or less are prescribed a long-acting injection. The use of such injections has declined in recent years after the introduction of second-generation (atypical) oral antipsychotic drugs. Research shows that possible reasons for this decline include concerns that may be based on suboptimal knowledge, as well as an erroneous assumption that one's own patient group is more adherent than those of one's colleagues. Research on attitudes has also revealed that psychiatrists feel that long-acting injections have an ;image' problem. This editorial addresses the gaps in knowledge and behaviour associated with possible underutilisation of these formulations, highlighting the role of stigma and the need for more research.