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- Title
Correlates of high-dose antipsychotic prescription amongst outpatients with Schizophrenia in a Nigerian Hospital.
- Authors
Anozie, Ihechiluru G.; James, Bawo O.; Omoaregba, Joyce O.; Oriji, Sunday O.; Erohubie, Paul O.; Enebe, Anthony C.
- Abstract
Background: Treatment guidelines recommend the use of antipsychotic monotherapy at effective doses for the treatment of schizophrenia, although about a third of the sufferers still receive high-dose antipsychotic treatment. Current evidence suggests that high-dose antipsychotic prescription (HDAP) not only fails to improve outcomes but also increases side effects. Aim: Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of HDAP and its association with illness severity, medication adherence behaviour and side effects amongst outpatients with schizophrenia. Setting: The Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Benin-City, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 320 attendees with schizophrenia at the outpatient department was undertaken. We administered a sociodemographic and antipsychotic medication questionnaire, Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effects Rating Scales and Medication Adherence Rating Scales. High-dose antipsychotic prescription was determined by the ratio of prescribed daily dose to defined daily dose greater than 1.5. Results: The prevalence of HDAP was 38.4%. Greater severity of illness, experiencing more side effects and poor medication adherence were significantly associated with HDAP. The major predictors of HDAP were antipsychotic polypharmacy and concurrent anticholinergic use. Conclusion: We conclude that although the use of HDAP amongst patients with schizophrenia remains common, its persistent use should be discouraged.
- Subjects
BENIN City (Nigeria); NIGERIA; UNIVERSITY of Liverpool; PATIENT compliance; PUBLIC hospitals; MEDICAL prescriptions; SCHIZOPHRENIA; ANTIPSYCHOTIC agents
- Publication
South African Journal of Psychiatry, 2022, Vol 28, p1
- ISSN
1608-9685
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v28i0.1791