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Intermittent medication for schizophrenic outpatients: who is eligible?
J A Chiles1, D Sterchi, T Hyde
1Harborview Community Mental Health Center, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Schizophrenia Bulletin
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Researchers screened 112 patients for an intermittent medication approach in schizophrenia treatment. Over a third met eligibility criteria, suggesting this approach could be valuable if proven effective in trials.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Schizophrenia treatment often involves continuous daily medication.
- Intermittent medication strategies offer potential benefits but require careful patient selection.
- Assessing patient eligibility is crucial for the success of novel treatment approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the eligibility of patients with schizophrenia for an intermittent medication approach.
- To determine the prevalence of eligible patients within a large, urban mental health center setting.
Main Methods:
- Screening of patients attending a Mental Health Center Medication Clinic.
- Inclusion criteria established to identify candidates for intermittent medication.
- Evaluation of a sample of 112 patients.
Main Results:
- 39 out of 112 patients (34.8%) met the basic inclusion criteria.
- No significant differences in eligibility were observed based on patient sex or age.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of patients with schizophrenia may be eligible for intermittent medication.
- The intermittent medication approach could be a viable component of comprehensive schizophrenia psychopharmacology.
- Further clinical trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy of this approach.