Clinical Determinants, Patterns, and Outcomes of Antipsychotic Medication Prescribing in the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder: A Naturalistic Cohort Study

Abstract Background Schizophrenia affects individuals, families, and systems, with treatment primarily being antipsychotic medications. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics are increasingly used. This study sought to identify predictors of choice, in terms formulation (LAI vs oral) class (FGA SGA), clinical outcomes. Methods 123 patients who received LAI were diagnosis-matched oral antipsychotics. Sociodemographic factors extracted from the medical record, including indicators illness severity. Groups compared Chi-Square t-tests, logistic regression models used independent choice. Results Patients that LAIs had longer admissions, more complex discharges, greater severity; however, there no differences readmission rates. Independent included younger age, single, admission. FGA likely use substances be undomiciled SGA LAIs, only predictor older age. Oral FGAs than SGAs prescribed female patients, as well those co-occurring substance use, admissions. Conclusions Illness severity duration appear drive choice vs. medication SGA. While severity, rates equivalent receiving medication, supporting Rationales for prescribing discussed. Funding No