Evaluation of Antipsychotic and Concomitant Medication Use Patterns in Patients With Schizophrenia

Abstract

As of 1995 an overwhelming majority of schizophrenic patients in this indigent, inner-city population initiated therapy with a typical antipsychotic. Patients frequently switched antipsychotics and discontinued their therapy during the 1 year study period. Reasons for switching or discontinuing may include the following: ineffective therapy; patient intolerance; change in symptoms; and improved assessment and understanding of the diagnosis or physician preference.