Bonginkosi Chiliza1, Akin Ojagbemi2, Oluyomi Esan2, Laila Asmal1, Piet Oosthuizen1, Martin Kidd3, Oye Gureje2, Robin Emsley1. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. 2. Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. 3. Centre for Statistical Consultation, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Abstract
AIM: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of depot antipsychotic (flupenthixol decanoate) combined with an assertive monitoring programme (AMP) in first-episode schizophrenia. METHODS: This was a prospective, non-comparative, longitudinal study conducted over 12 months assessing patient acceptance, adherence, outcome in domains of psychopathology, functionality and quality of life, and tolerability. RESULTS: Of 207 participants, 149 (72%) completed 12 months of treatment. Acceptance of and adherence to depot was good. Treatment response was achieved by 170 (82%) participants and remission by 124 (60%). Thirty-three (19%) responders relapsed and 10 (5%) participants met a priori criteria for treatment resistance. Treatment was generally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of depot antipsychotic with an AMP may be an effective and safe intervention in early phases of schizophrenia, and may be particularly suitable for resource-constrained settings.
AIM: To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of depot antipsychotic (flupenthixol decanoate) combined with an assertive monitoring programme (AMP) in first-episode schizophrenia. METHODS: This was a prospective, non-comparative, longitudinal study conducted over 12 months assessing patient acceptance, adherence, outcome in domains of psychopathology, functionality and quality of life, and tolerability. RESULTS: Of 207 participants, 149 (72%) completed 12 months of treatment. Acceptance of and adherence to depot was good. Treatment response was achieved by 170 (82%) participants and remission by 124 (60%). Thirty-three (19%) responders relapsed and 10 (5%) participants met a priori criteria for treatment resistance. Treatment was generally well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of depot antipsychotic with an AMP may be an effective and safe intervention in early phases of schizophrenia, and may be particularly suitable for resource-constrained settings.