Symptom control, functioning and satisfaction among Swiss patients treated with risperidone long-acting injectable

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders require effective long-term management.
• Antipsychotic medication adherence is crucial for treatment success.
• Long-acting injectable formulations offer an alternative for patients with adherence challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) in Swiss patients.
• To assess RLAI in patients switching directly from previous antipsychotic treatments.
• To investigate improvements in symptoms, functioning, and patient satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Sixty patients with schizophrenia or psychotic disorders were enrolled.
• Patients received 25 mg RLAI every 2 weeks, with dosage adjustments possible.
• The treatment duration was 6 months, with symptom and functioning assessments.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in total PANSS scores (P<0.001) and subscale scores were observed.
• Improvements in Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and patient satisfaction were significant (P<0.001).
• Significant reductions in Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS) scores, including Parkinsonism, were noted.

Conclusions:

• RLAI demonstrated significant efficacy in improving psychotic disorder symptoms and patient functioning.
• RLAI led to substantial improvements in patient satisfaction with treatment.
• RLAI is a valuable option for the long-term management of patients with psychotic disorders, showing good tolerability and reduced movement disorders.