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. 2006 May 30:2:11.
doi: 10.1186/1745-0179-2-11.

Pharmacological treatment of ambulatory schizophrenic patients in Belgium

L Hanssens  1 , M De Hert, M Wampers, J-Y Reginster, J Peuskens
Affiliations

Pharmacological treatment of ambulatory schizophrenic patients in Belgium

L Hanssens et al. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. .

Abstract

Background: the objective of this study was twofold:1) Describe the use of antipsychotic treatments in ambulatory patients suffering from schizophrenia in Belgium.2) Evaluate to which extend antipsychotic treatment prescribing patterns are in accordance with published treatment guidelines.

Method: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 16 Belgian hospitals selected from a sample of 67 hospitals. The hospitals were equally distributed between the north and south part of the country and were representative of Belgian practice. During 2 months, participating psychiatrists were asked to record the medication use as well as demographic parameters of all consecutive ambulatory patients seen at their consultation or attending a day-hospital. Data concerning 1000 ambulatory patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were collected.

Results: In Belgium, the use of atypical antipsychotics is frequent (69%) in ambulatory patients with schizophrenia. In the overall sample, 73% receive only one antipsychotic drug. The majority of patients are treated with drugs of only one antipsychotic drug group, either first- typical (29.8%) or second-generation, atypical antipsychotics (53.2%). 15.8% of patients combine different types of antipsychotics. Antipsychotic dosing is adequate for the majority of patients but about one fifth receives a higher than recommended dose as per package inserts. Polypharmacy remains within reasonable limits. The use of concomitant medication varies according the antipsychotic treatment: patients who take second-generation antipsychotics only, receive the least additional drugs.

Conclusion: Atypical antipsychotics appear to be the first line treatment for schizophrenic psychosis. Psychiatrists working with ambulatory patients are well aware of treatment guidelines and follow them quite adequately.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Combination of different AP.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Frequency (%) of high, low and normal doses for the most frequently used AAP.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Use of concomitant medication as a function of antipsychotic treatment.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Use of anticholinergics (%) as a function of antipsychotic treatment.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Frequency (%) of now, high, and normal dosing for clozapine and all AAP.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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