A prospective 6-month analysis of the naturalistic use of aripiprazole - factors predicting favourable outcome

D Taylor, J Atkinson, C Fischetti, A Sparshatt, S Jones

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of aripiprazole in clinical practice.

METHOD: Prospective follow-up of patients consecutively prescribed aripiprazole in an acute mental health unit. Retrospective analysis of outcome from casenotes.

RESULTS: Data were available on 228 patients. Fifty-one per cent discontinued aripiprazole over 6-month follow-up. Continuation with treatment was more likely in out-patients [relative risk (RR) 1.50; 95% CI: 1.13-2.00], those never before considered for clozapine treatment (RR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.06-2.44) and older patients [RR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.09 (per 5-year increase)]. The main reason for early discontinuation was the occurrence of minor adverse effects.

CONCLUSION: Aripiprazole is effective in practice. Outcome is likely to be improved by careful patient selection and by attending to adverse effects experienced early in treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)461-466
Number of pages6
JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica
Volume116
Issue number6
Early online date28 Oct 2007
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Dec 2007

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antipsychotic Agents/therapeutic use
  • Aripiprazole
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Piperazines/therapeutic use
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quinolones/therapeutic use
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Schizophrenia/diagnosis
  • Time Factors

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