|
Abstract
|
BACKGROUND: To date, no study has investigated the use of depot antipsychotic medication (DA) in Chinese outpatients with schizophrenia. This study explored the frequency and sociodemographic and clinical correlates of DA in schizophrenia outpatients in both Hong Kong (HK) and Beijing (BJ), China.
METHODS: 505 clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia were randomly selected and interviewed in HK and BJ using standardized assessment instruments. Their basic sociodemographic and clinical data and psychotropic drug prescriptions were collected at the time of a diagnostic interview.
RESULTS: 117 (23.2%) patients were prescribed DA, 36.1 and 10% of the HK and BJ samples, respectively. Prescription of DA was associated with a history of suicide, less use of clozapine, more frequent antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP), more frequent admissions, and study site (HK vs. BJ). In multiple logistic regression analysis, study site, less frequent prescription of clozapine, history of suicide, and more frequent use of APP remained significantly associated with DA.
CONCLUSION: There was wide variation in the frequency of DA prescribing between HK and BJ even though the ethnic and clinical characteristics of the two samples were nearly identical. This suggests that sociocultural and economic factors, as well as traditions in psychiatric training and practice all played a role in determining the use of DA. © 2008 Dustri-Verlag Dr. K. Feistle.; TypeofStudy:This study investigated the frequency of depot antipsychotic (DA) prescription in two major Chinese cities, Hong Kong (HK) and Beijing (BJ), explored the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of DA prescription, and compared the quality of life (QOL) between the DA and non-DA group in Chinese schizophrenia outpatients.; DosageDuration:Dosage and duration not stated.; Results:DA prescription was significantly associated with lesser suicide attempts, less use of Leponex, more frequent APP use, and more frequent admissions. In multiple regression analysis, patients on Leponex, patients in BJ, and patients with a history of suicide attempt were less likely to receive DA.; AdverseEffects:No adverse events were mentioned.; AuthorsConclusions:In this study, clozapine was less frequently prescribed in the DA group, which is in keeping with current recommendations: there is no strong evidence suggesting the superiority of the combination of clozapine and other antipsychotics.; Patients:505 outpatients were studied. HK sample: 255 patients, 122 male and 133 female, mean age 42.33 years. DA: 92 patients. Leponex: 12 patients. Typical antipsychotic (AP) only: 131 patients. BJ sample: 250 patients, 121 male and 129 female, mean age 43.73 years. DA: 25 patients. Leponex: 75 patients. Typical AP only: 113 patients. DA cohort: 117 patients, 59 male and 58 female, mean age 43.81 years. Atypical AP (APP): 64 patients. Leponex: 3 patients. Non-DA cohort: 388 patients, 192 male and 196 female, mean age 42.79 years. APP: 33 patients. Leponex: 84 patients.; FreeText:Tests: Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Simpson and Angus scale of extrapyramidal symptoms, Barnes akathisia rating scale, Hamilton depression rating scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life Schedule-Brief (HK and BJ version).; Indications:87 patients with schizophrenia.
Language: en |