title: Should long-acting (depot) antipsychotics be used in early schizophrenia? A systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The relapse rate after a first episode of schizophrenia is high, often due to non-adherence with medication. Long-acting injections of antipsychotics (LAI) are used to promote adherence to medication.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the literature on the use of LAIs in first-episode and early schizophrenia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic electronic search of all original data containing peer-reviewed studies published in English using EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane and PsychINFO from the onset of records. Reference lists from retrieved articles were examined for further relevant studies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten studies were identified: two cohort studies; three randomised controlled trials; and five open studies. These studies, although limited, demonstrated the effectiveness of LAI in early schizophrenia. Seven of the 10 studies had risperidone long-acting injection as the only LAI.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LAIs may be useful in the treatment of early schizophrenia in terms of symptom control and relapse reduction, particularly if chosen by the patient or when medication adherence is a priority. There is a need for a large-scale, randomised controlled trial comparing oral and LAI antipsychotics to assess long-term outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Henderson Unit, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. marktaylor2@nhs.net
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Ka Ying Bonnie
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Ng
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations