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Changing patterns of neuroleptic dosage over a decade
G T Reardon1, A Rifkin, A Schwartz
1Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Neuroleptic dosages for schizophrenia patients increased significantly from 1973 to 1982, with a shift towards high-potency medications. Hospital stays shortened, but the reasons for these changes remain unclear.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Neuroleptic medication patterns in schizophrenia treatment have evolved.
- Understanding dosage trends and their impact on patient care is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in neuroleptic dosage patterns for schizophrenic inpatients over time.
- To compare dosage differences across various treatment settings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of neuroleptic dosage data for 206 schizophrenic inpatients.
- Comparison of data from 1973 and 1982 across three distinct healthcare centers.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in neuroleptic dosage patterns were observed over time and between centers.
- Mean discharge dose in 1982 exceeded the 1973 peak mean daily dose.
- High-potency neuroleptics were predominantly used in 1982, a shift from 1973.
- Mean length of inpatient stay decreased from 49 days in 1973 to 34 days in 1982.
Conclusions:
- Schizophrenia treatment paradigms involving neuroleptic use and length of stay have changed significantly.
- The relationship between increased neuroleptic dosage, shorter hospital stays, and the shift to high-potency medications requires further investigation.