[Rehospitalization rates of newly diagnosed schizophrenic patients on atypical neuroleptic medication].
OBJECTIVE
This research examines how successful recommended longterm medical treatment of schizophrenic patients is following their discharge from inpatient treatment by evaluating the yearly rehospitalization rates.


METHODS
The sample consisted of 76 patients with schizophrenia who were admitted for the first time into Bezirkskrankenhaus Augsburg within a year. The recommended long-term medical treatment with conventional or atypical antipsychotics of patients after discharge and the one year rehospitalization rate depending on the medical treatment at time of discharge were examined.


RESULTS
After discharge from hospital more than 50 % of the observed patients were treated with atypical antipsychotics like olanzapine, risperidone or amisupride. Only 9 % were discharged with conventional neuroleptics. 38 % of the 76 observed patients had to be readmitted.


CONCLUSIONS
This research shows that the beneficial properties of modern atypical antipsychotics are less favourable on a lower rehospitalization rate than expected.
Strasser
Oliver
O
Bezirkskrankenhaus Augsburg.
Schmauss
Max
M
Messer
Thomas
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000077582:Amisulpride; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018967:Risperidone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013469:Sulpiride / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D013469:Sulpiride; D000077582:Amisulpride; D018967:Risperidone; D000077152:Olanzapine