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Optimising the Use of Depot Antipsychotics

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Summary

Depot administration of antipsychotics has several advantages over oral administration for the treatment of chronic schizophrenia. First, when given by a healthcare professional who has adequate knowledge of the concept, depot administration facilitates the use of a lowest effective dosage strategy. Secondly, the depot form has the obvious benefits of relapse prevention, allowing patients to cope with life in society (rather than in institutions) and providing them with a more stable social situation. This permits the addition of various non-pharmacological therapy elements, which, in turn, will increase the patient’s compliance and, eventually, his/her quality of life.

Nevertheless, it is apparent that depot antipsychotics are underutilised in some areas because of the belief by some that they represent ‘forced treatment’. However, if schizophrenic patients are properly informed about the advantages of depot antipsychotic administration, they will usually cooperate satisfactorily with the treatment. This increased compliance is a positive therapeutic element, especially since depot antipsychotics are likely to be lifelong treatments.

Further research into the use of depot administration of antipsychotics is necessary to optimise treatment by increasing efficacy and reducing adverse effects. If this can be achieved, this type of treatment will further increase relapse prevention and lead to the successful addition of nonpharmacological therapy strategies.

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  1. Section of Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-413 45, Göteborg, Sweden

    Sven Jonas Dencker & Rolf Axelsson

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  1. Sven Jonas Dencker
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  2. Rolf Axelsson
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Dencker, S.J., Axelsson, R. Optimising the Use of Depot Antipsychotics. CNS Drugs 6, 367–381 (1996). https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-199606050-00004

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