Treatment of schizophrenic patients: Depot neuroleptics versus oral neuroleptics: A three year comparative trial

Abstract

Compared the efficacy of oral and depot neuroleptics in the prevention of noncompliance in schizophrenia patients. Medical charts of 183 schizophrenia patients receiving neuroleptics for a period longer than 3 yrs were enrolled in a study to compare the efficacy of 2 different neuroleptic treatments. One group received only oral neuroleptics and the other depot neuroleptics. Results show that the group on depot neuroleptics had fewer relapses, rehospitalizations, and fewer hospitalization days. It is suggested that switching a patient on oral to depot neuroleptic treatment could be a good option for treatment-refractory patients or those with poor oral compliance. 

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v14i1.519