'Deprescribing' antipsychotics in schizophrenia: witless and dangerous?: COMMENTARY ON… DEPRESCRIBING ANTIPSYCHOTICS. (13th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mortimer, Ann
• Is Part Of: BJPsych advances. Volume 24:Number 5(2018)
• Page Start: 303
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2018-08-13
• Subjects: deprescribing, -- risk, -- Antipsychotics, -- Polypharmacy, -- Psychotic Disorders, -- Schizophrenia, -- Biological Treatments, -- Community; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bja.2018.14
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4678

Abstract

SUMMARY: 'Deprescribing' here comprises arguments against treating patients who have been psychotic beyond first episode. Nevertheless, four out of five patients relapse, compared with only two of five still taking medication. However, much first-episode psychosis is not schizophrenia, but persistent substance-induced psychotic disorder. Virtually nothing is known about factors which facilitate this in the minority who develop it, nor how to decide if the patient will relapse off medication. Patients who are well, stable and tolerating minimal doses of medication should be the first to suggest that they try to do without it, not us. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: A.M. has worked with pharmaceutical companies regarding the introduction of atypical antipsychotic treatments for schizophrenia, received research funding and spoken at conferences.