Introduction of LAI intervention within the treatment plan also might provide additional benefits and potentially reduce the burden on health care resources.5 Psychiatrists seem to use LAIs conservatively and tend to be too slow to introduce this intervention even after patients experience several acute episodes. Psychiatrists should inform patients about different forms of treatment, including LAIs, during the early stages of the illness.6
Improving medication adherence in physical and mental health care is of paramount importance for the effective care of patients. Psychiatrists and primary care physicians should be made aware of the anticipated benefits of this intervention.
References
1. Kaplan G et al. Impact of long-acting injectable antipsychotics on medication adherence and clinical, functional, and economic outcomes of schizophrenia. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2013;13:1171-80.
2. Brissos S et al. The role of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in schizophrenia: a critical appraisal. Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology. 2014 Oct;4(5):198-219.
3. Ravasio R et al. Analisi di costo-efficacia dello switch da un antipsicotico orale a risperidone a rilascio prolungato nel trattamento dei pazienti affetti da schizofrenia. Giorn Ital Health Technol Ass. 2019;2:1-8.
4. Reichhart T and W Kissling. Societal costs of nonadherence in schizophrenia: homicide/suicide. Mind & Brain, J Psychiatry. 2010 Aug 1(2):29-32.
5. Offord S et al. Health care resource usage of schizophrenia patients initiating long-acting injectable antipsychotics vs oral. J Med Econ. 2013;16:231-9.
6. Matthias J and W Rossler. Attitudes toward long-acting depot antipsychotics: a survey of patients, relatives and psychiatrists. Psychiatry Res. 2010 Jan 30;175(1-2):58-62.
Dr. Lamba, a psychiatrist and medical director at BayRidge Hospital in Lynn, Mass., has no disclosures. He changed key facts about the patients discussed to protect their confidentiality.