[Untitled]

Continuity of pharmacotherapy was examined between a state psychiatric hospital and an urban community mental health center. Anecdotal reports from administrators as well as limited empirical research suggested that there would be breaks in the continuity of pharmacotherapy across the two agencies and that the high cost of newer medications would contribute to poor continuity. Clinical chart reviews of 242 discharges over a 5–year period revealed that less than 11% of atypical prescriptions and less than 20% of all psychotropic prescriptions were altered beyond dosage level changes after discharge from a state hospital. Analysis of reasons given (reported) for altering the medication regimen revealed a consistent pattern of changes based on clinical evidence or consumer choice.