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Who are patients on conventional antipsychotics?
Antoinette M Valenti1, Rajesh Narendran, Cynthia A Pristach
1University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, USA.
Schizophrenia Bulletin
|October 14, 2003
Summary
Many patients still use older antipsychotics despite newer options. Over half of those on conventional antipsychotics have never tried atypical agents, suggesting a need for reassessment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Atypical antipsychotics offer improved efficacy and reduced side effects compared to conventional agents.
- Understanding patterns of antipsychotic use is crucial for optimizing patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine demographic factors and treatment histories of patients still receiving conventional antipsychotics.
- To identify predictors for continued use of conventional antipsychotics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review and patient/family interviews.
- Analysis of demographic and medication data for 276 urban hospital patients.
- Statistical analysis using Chi-square and logistic regression tests.
Main Results:
- 28% of patients were on conventional antipsychotics.
- Over 50% of these patients had no prior trial of atypical antipsychotics.
- African-Americans and substance abusers were overrepresented in the conventional antipsychotic group.
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of patients on conventional antipsychotics may be candidates for atypical agents.
- Further evaluation for atypical antipsychotic trials is recommended, even for stable patients on conventional medication.
- Potential ethnic or cultural biases in medication selection warrant further investigation.