A recent publication using Prospection’s real-world data analytics shows, 1 in 5 Australian patients with schizophrenia [1] is medicated with older typical long acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics. Schizophrenia is one of the top ten contributors to the global burden of disease and disability, affecting 20 million people globally [2]. The study team (Pai, N., Acar, M., Juneja, P. et al) set out to understand if consumers in the real world were medicated in line with the current clinical guidelines to manage this prevalent condition. Antipsychotic medication, along with psychosocial interventions, is the primary treatment for people living with schizophrenia. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrist prescribing guidelines were used as the frame of reference.
An exploration of real-world patterns of antipsychotic use in patients with schizophrenia in Australia. The study found that while the majority of patients received atypical antipsychotic medications, one in five continue to use older typical LAT therapies. Factors such as patient age and time on therapy may be associated with choice of therapy. Persistence to atypical LAT therapy is better than for other treatment modalities in this real-world cohort.
View the full paper “Antipsychotic prescribing patterns in Australia: a retrospective analysis” [1]. here
The retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using the Australian Commonwealth Department of Human Services Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 10% sample data. The study was sponsored by Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd Australia, the manufacturer of haloperidol, paliperidone and risperidone. Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd Australia contracted Prospection Pty Ltd to perform the analysis.
- Pai, N., Acar, M., Juneja, P. et al. Antipsychotic prescribing patterns in Australia: a retrospective analysis. BMC Psychiatry 22, 110 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-03755-z
- James SL, Abate D, Abate KH, Abay SM, Abbafati C, Abbasi N, Abbastabar H, Abd-Allah F, Abdela J, Abdelalim A. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet. 2018;392(10159):1789–858.
