Prescribing antipsychotic drugs for inpatients with schizophrenia in Asia: Comparison of REAP‐2001 and REAP‐2004 studies

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction: This international collaborative study aimed to investigate the trend and change in prescription patterns of antipsychotic drugs for inpatient schizophrenia in Asia by comparing two surveys in 2001 and 2004.Methods: Prescription patterns of inpatient schizophrenia in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan were surveyed in July of 2001 and 2004 using a standardized protocol. Patients' social and clinical characteristics, psychiatric symptoms, course of illness and adverse effects of medications were systematically assessed and recorded. Prescription patterns of antipsychotic drugs were compared and analyzed.Results: Altogether, 4535 patients were surveyed. There were no significant differences in their demographic characteristics between 2001 and 2004. Compared with 2001, a significant increase in the use of second‐generation antipsychotics (SGA) (from 45.5% to 64.7%) with reciprocal decreasing use of first‐generation antipsychotics was found in 2004. The trend was unanimously seen across these Asian countries and among those prescribed with monotherapy or polypharmacy. The proportion using monotherapy significantly increased, from 52.7% in 2001 to 61.1% in 2004. There was a tendency of using a lower dosage of antipsychotic medications and a less concomitant use of anti‐Parkinson drugs.Discussion: The present study showed a trend of increasing use of SGA among Asian countries. Except for Japan and Singapore, a relatively low use of antipsychotic polypharmacy was generally found. The increasing use of SGA and policy changes reduced the mean duration of admission days. With increasing awareness of consumers and continuing education for psychiatrists, the trend is expected to continue.