[Correlation analysis between antipsychotic prescription quality and clinical status of patients with schizophrenia]

The aim of this study is to describe the psychopharmacological aspects of psychiatric practice in a group of schizophrenic patients and to evaluate whether or not practice agrees with treatment guidelines. The study also intends to objectively measure the psychopathological state of patients in order to establish correlation between different pharmacological aspects of treatment and their clinical outcomes.

We have elaborated six recommendations concerning the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia, taken from several guides, which are based on evidence. The psychopathological state of patients has been evaluated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and real prescription practice has been analysed. BPRS rates are compared depending on compliance with guidelines.

More than 60% of patients do not comply with at least 4 of 6 evidence-based recommendations; compliance with recommendations being associated with a minor BPRS punctuation. Differences in BPRS punctuation between compliant and not compliant groups for 3 recommendations (maintenance antipsychotic dosage, antipsychotic association and drugs with a negative effect on cognitive functions), are statistically significant(p < 0,05; bilateral).

Medical practice which closely follows treatment guidelines results in satisfactory clinical outcomes.