Patterns of clozapine and other antipsychotics prescriptions in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia in community mental health centers in São Paulo, Brazil

Authors

  • Ana Stella de Azevedo Silveira Federal University of São Paulo; Departament of Psychiatry
  • Deyvis Macarof Loureiro Vasconcelos Rocha Federal University of São Paulo; Departament of Psychiatry
  • Cecília Ribeiro de Faissol Attux Federal University of São Paulo; Departament of Psychiatry
  • Claudiane Sales Daltio Federal University of São Paulo; Departament of Psychiatry
  • Letícia Aparecida da Silva Federal University of São Paulo; Departament of Psychiatry
  • Helio Elkis University of São Paulo; Medical School; Department and Institute of Psychiatry
  • John Michael Kane The Zucker Hillside Hospital; Department of Psychiatry
  • Rodrigo Affonseca Bressan Federal University of São Paulo; Departament of Psychiatry

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-60830000000069

Abstract

Background Despite of its global underuse, clozapine is still the golden standard antipsychotic for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS). Objective To evaluate the patterns of clozapine and other antipsychotic drugs prescription in TRS in community mental health centers in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods A multiple-choice questionnaire was applied to fifteen psychiatrists at five centers inquiring about patients’ clinical condition, adherence to oral treatment and current antipsychotic treatment. History of previous and current antipsychotic treatment was collected through medical chart review. Results Out of 442 schizophrenia patients, 103 (23.3%) fulfilled the criteria for TRS. Fifty-eight patients (56.3%) were receiving polypharmacy; 30 (29.1%) were on atypical antipsychotic monotherapy, 14 (13.6%) were on typical antipsychotic monotherapy, 25 (24.3%) were taking depot antipsychotic medication and only 22 (21.4%) were receiving clozapine. Discussion As well as in other parts of the world, many TRS patients (78.6%) receive other drugs instead of clozapine in São Paulo, the best evidence-based medication for patients with TRS. The government should make every effort to provide medical training and the equipment and logistic support to adequately serve those who could benefit from clozapine treatment at the community health centers.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2015-12-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Patterns of clozapine and other antipsychotics prescriptions in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia in community mental health centers in São Paulo, Brazil . (2015). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 42(6), 165-170. https://doi.org/10.1590/0101-60830000000069