%0 Journal Article
%T Treatment Adherence with Early Prescription of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics in Recent-Onset Schizophrenia
%A Annie Viala
%A Fran£¿oise Cornic
%A Marie-No£¿lle Vacheron
%J Schizophrenia Research and Treatment
%D 2012
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2012/368687
%X Although response to treatment for the first episode of schizophrenia is generally favourable, nonadherence with the treatment is the first cause of relapse and rehospitalisation within the next few years. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIAs) combine the advantages of the newer antipsychotics and the long-acting formulation. The evaluation concerns 25 schizophrenic patients hospitalised for the first time, treated with risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) associated with reintegration methods, and followed up for at least 18 months. Clinical observation was completed using Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Clinical improvement was coupled with a good reintegration rate, very few relapse, or rehospitalisation. Bimonthly injection combined with psychosocial methods improved interactive followup, and therefore patients¡¯ compliance with the treatment. Treating with LAIA as early as possible, from the first episode if possible, can reduce relapse, number and duration of rehospitalisation, and cognitive symptoms and improve the quality of life and prognosis. 1. Introduction Schizophrenia remains a chronic disease concerning about 1% of the general population in the world; although response to treatment in the early phases of evolution is generally favourable, it is estimated that rates of adherence to treatment 1 year after discharge from hospital are only about 50%, and 75% in the first two years of treatment [1, 2]. The causes are multifactorial: denial of disease, side effects of medication, cognitive impairment, comorbidity especially substance abuse [3] and also doctor- patient relationship [4]. Relapses and rehospitalisations worsen the prognosis of patients with schizophrenia, impact both patients and families¡¯insertion and quality of life, and increase direct and indirect health costs [5, 6]. Treatment with LAIAs, which encourage adherence (fewer side-effects, stabilization of drug levels), can prevent the risk of interruption of treatment which is the main cause of relapse and rehospitalisation. This type of treatment, used as early as possible, since first-episode schizophrenia, may improve the long-term prognosis [7], particularly when associated with reintegration methods [8] and interactive followup using interest of monthly or bimonthly injection. The aim of our study is to present the followup in ¡°real life¡± of 25 patients, hospitalised for the first time, treated with RLAI associated with reintegration methods and multidisciplinary followup, for at least 18 months, in order to
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/schizort/2012/368687/