Predictors for Initiation of Atypical LAIs in Individuals With Early-Phase Schizophrenia

Jose M. Rubio, MD, shares his insights on original research published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, “Predictors for Initiation of Atypical Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Agents in a Commercial Claims Cohort of Individuals With Early-Phase Schizophrenia.” The study examined how often and under what circumstances long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) were used as an initial treatment in patients in the early phases of psychosis, when patients are most vulnerable. Dr. Rubio reveals that LAIs were most often used as a reactive tool rather than a proactive one. In particular, when patients have limited success with oral medications, such as olanzapine, risperidone, paliperidone, and aripiprazole, or increased emergency department visits, LAIs may be prescribed as a last resort. He notes that there are very few circumstances when an LAI should not be used over an oral medication (except when there is treatment resistance). Even though past research has shown that LAIs have better clinical effectiveness and adherence over oral formulations for patients with schizophrenia, and the safety outcomes are comparable to oral medications, Dr Rubio concludes that LAIs are more often used as relapse prevention rather than in the early phase of schizophrenia where they could make the most difference.
Visit Psychiatrist.com to read the full study: bit.ly/3Lth4vL
…..
Presented by The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
Jose M. Rubio, MD, is affiliated with the Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York, and the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York.
@psychiatristcns