Polypharmacy in psychiatric out-patient practice in northern Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze patterns of polypharmacy among psychiatric outpatients in northern Nigeria and identify predictors of psychotropic polypharmacy.
METHOD: A cross-sectional study, using chart review of new patients at out-patient clinics of two regional psychiatric hospitals in northern Nigeria,measuring rates, patterns and predictors of psychotropic polypharmacy.
RESULTS: A total of 278 patients were seen, of whom 92%were given two or more psychotropic agents.The pattern of psychotropic polypharmacy revealed that total, multi-class and adjunctive polypharmacy rates were high, while augmentation and same class polypharmacy rates were low. Age of respondent and diagnosis were the factors associated with total polypharmacy.
CONCLUSION: The complex interplay of factors influencing physician prescription practices requires that a more pragmatic approach be adopted in efforts to curtail polypharmacy practice, rather than a wholesale, absolute condemnation of the practice.