Combining depot antipsychotic with an assertive monitoring programme for treating first-episode schizophrenia in a resource-constrained setting

Early Interv Psychiatry. 2016 Feb;10(1):54-62. doi: 10.1111/eip.12141. Epub 2014 Apr 1.

Abstract

Aim: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of depot antipsychotic (flupenthixol decanoate) combined with an assertive monitoring programme (AMP) in first-episode schizophrenia.

Methods: This was a prospective, non-comparative, longitudinal study conducted over 12 months assessing patient acceptance, adherence, outcome in domains of psychopathology, functionality and quality of life, and tolerability.

Results: Of 207 participants, 149 (72%) completed 12 months of treatment. Acceptance of and adherence to depot was good. Treatment response was achieved by 170 (82%) participants and remission by 124 (60%). Thirty-three (19%) responders relapsed and 10 (5%) participants met a priori criteria for treatment resistance. Treatment was generally well tolerated.

Conclusions: Combination of depot antipsychotic with an AMP may be an effective and safe intervention in early phases of schizophrenia, and may be particularly suitable for resource-constrained settings.

Keywords: antipsychotic; developing country; psychotic disorder; schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Community Mental Health Services / methods*
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / adverse effects
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Developing Countries
  • Female
  • Flupenthixol / adverse effects
  • Flupenthixol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Flupenthixol / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medication Adherence
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Quality of Life
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • flupenthixol decanoate
  • Flupenthixol