Pattern of neuroleptic drug use in Italian mental health services.

The relationship between the prescribed daily dose of neuroleptic (NL) drugs and patient-, and drug-related characteristics was explored in a cross-sectional sample of 1141 patients treated in Italian mental health services. The results of a multiple linear regression showed that the prescribed daily dose was significantly lower in women, the elderly, and those with a shorter (one to six year) psychiatric history. In contrast, being an inpatient in psychiatric wards in general and public mental hospitals was significantly associated with a higher dose; marital status, education, and diagnosis were not. The number and potency (low to moderate vs. high) of the prescribed NLs were also significantly associated with the prescribed dose, and an interaction was found between the two. Implications of these findings for improvement in NL prescription patterns are discussed.