Trends in antipsychotic prescribing in schizophrenia in Auckland.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes antipsychotic prescribing practices for outpatients with schizophrenia over a 3 year period in two large mental health catchment areas of Auckland.

METHODS

All community files were reviewed at three time points. Patient characteristics, diagnosis and antipsychotic treatment information were recorded and analysed.

RESULTS

Over the three time periods, the number of outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder was stable. There was a marked change in the type of antipsychotic prescribed, with an 18.6% increase in atypical antipsychotics and a decrease in both intramuscular and oral typical antipsychotics. Clozapine was the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic in 2003 (35%). Despite the fact that polypharmacy was relatively low (14.6% in 2003), those receiving more than one antipsychotic had a greater likelihood of being prescribed a higher total daily dose.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes a change in antipsychotic prescribing towards recommended practice guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia over a 3 year period.