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.
Wheeler
Amanda
A
Clinical Research and Resource Centre, Mental Health Services and Community Alcohol and Drug Services, Waitemata District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand. amanda.wheeler@waitematadhb.govt.nz
Humberstone
Verity
V
Robinson
Gail
G
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000639:trends; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations