Investigating Real-World Benztropine Usage Patterns in Movement Disorders: Claims Analysis and Health Care Provider...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Clinical Practice
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Drug-induced movement disorders (DIMD) are common side effects of antipsychotic medications.
• Benztropine is a commonly prescribed anticholinergic agent for managing DIMD.
• Real-world treatment patterns and provider perspectives on benztropine use for DIMD require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate real-world treatment patterns of benztropine initiation in patients with DIMD.
• To understand healthcare provider perspectives on benztropine use for DIMD.
• To assess patient healthcare resource utilization associated with benztropine treatment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective claims analysis of 112,542 patients initiating benztropine (January 2017–March 2020).
• Online survey of 349 US physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants treating DIMD with benztropine (December 2021–January 2022).
• Analysis of polypharmacy, comorbidities, treatment duration, and healthcare costs.

Main Results:

• Over 50% of patients received benztropine for >3 months; high polypharmacy and comorbidity rates were observed.
• Benztropine is used in non-tardive dyskinesia DIMD and often continued long-term or used in tardive dyskinesia.
• Psychiatry providers showed better guideline adherence than primary care providers, though familiarity with schizophrenia treatment guidelines was <40%.

Conclusions:

• Benztropine is frequently used long-term in DIMD, including tardive dyskinesia, despite risks of adverse effects or worsening symptoms.
• Treatment patterns suggest potential for improved guideline adherence and patient management.
• Further research is needed to optimize benztropine use and mitigate risks in DIMD patients.