1. Quality prescribing in early psychosis: key pharmacotherapy principles.
- Author
-
Scott JG, McKeon G, Malacova E, Curtis J, Burgher B, Macmillan I, Thompson A, and Parker SD
- Subjects
- Humans, Antipsychotic Agents adverse effects, Clozapine therapeutic use, Psychotic Disorders drug therapy
- Abstract
Objective: To present a practical, easy-to-implement clinical framework designed to support evidence-based quality prescribing for people with early psychosis., Method: Identification and explanation of key principles relating to evidence-based pharmacotherapy for people with early psychosis. These were derived from the literature, practice guidelines and clinical experience., Results: Key principles include (1) medication choice informed by adverse effects; (2) metabolic monitoring at baseline and at regular intervals; (3) comprehensive and regular medication risk-benefit assessment and psychoeducation; (4) early consideration of long-acting injectable formulations (preferably driven by informed patient choice); (5) identification and treatment of comorbid mood disorders and (6) early consideration of clozapine when treatment refractory criteria are met., Conclusions: Current prescribing practices do not align with the well-established evidence for quality pharmacotherapy in early psychosis. Adopting evidence-based prescribing practices for people with early psychosis will improve outcomes.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF