Historical perspective on antipsychotic long-acting injections.
BACKGROUND
Clinical experience has shown considerable potential benefits from long-term continuous medication for chronic or relapsing forms of schizophrenia. These benefits have not always been realised.


OBJECTIVE
To review the research literature in order to understand the problems of long-term medication and use of antipsychotic oral medication and long-acting injections (LAIs), and to place these in an historical context.


METHODS
Review of literature.


RESULTS
Research showed that the potential success of LAI therapy depends on the quality of the follow-up service.


CONCLUSIONS
Following the advent of second-generation oral antipsychotics confidence in the use of LAIs has eroded and that mistakes made in LAI use during the past century may be repeated.
Johnson
D A W
DA
University Hospital of South Manchester, University of Manchester, UK. donald.awjohnson@btinternet.com
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019058:Community Networks / Q000266:history; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D055118:Medication Adherence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000266:history
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations