title: Characteristic differences in the use of psychotropic drugs as a stigma of cultural influences.
abstract: The study aimed at investigation of the influence of the cultural and racial factors upon therapeutic response of the schizophrenic patients in Libya and Malta. The study revealed high frequency of polypharmacy, liberal use of minor tranquillizers and antiparkinsonian agents, and daily multiple administration of drugs. Long-acting preparations were not administered in Libya, while in Malta they were used in 37.5% of patients. Therapeutic response in both investigated groups were different. The Libyans responded to low doses of regular drugs. Maltese were treated in comparatively higher doses due to combinations of drugs. The number of chronic withdrawn and apathetic schizophrenics was a larger among Maltese and there the disintegration of personality was much more visible.
mesh_terms: D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D004363:Drug Utilization; D006801:Humans; D008002:Libya; D008319:Malta; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs