Antipsychotic Prescriptions in Japanese Forensic Psychiatric Wards
Author Information
Author(s): Takeda Koji, Kashiwagi Hiroko, Takanobu Keisuke, Kubota Ryotaro, Naoe Ryo, Yamada Yuji, Koike Junko, Kono Toshiaki, Kako Yuki, Hirabayasi Naotsugu
Primary Institution: National Center Hospital National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
Hypothesis
What is the current state of antipsychotic medications for mentally disordered offenders with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in Japanese forensic psychiatric wards?
Conclusion
The study found that olanzapine was the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic, and clozapine was associated with longer hospitalization and a higher rate of seclusion experience.
Supporting Evidence
- 362 mentally disordered offenders with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were analyzed.
- Clozapine was prescribed to 23.2% of patients.
- 24.9% of participants were prescribed long-acting injections.
- Olanzapine was the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic.
- The clozapine group had the highest rate of seclusion experience at 46.4%.
- The mean length of hospitalization for the clozapine group was 1758 days.
- Antipsychotic polypharmacy was observed in 37.8% of patients.
- Future studies are needed to clarify the relevance of antipsychotic medications in the prognosis of MDOs.
Takeaway
Doctors in Japan give special medicines called antipsychotics to help people with serious mental health problems who have done bad things. They found that one medicine, olanzapine, is used the most.
Methodology
Data from 32 forensic wards was analyzed, focusing on patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who were prescribed psychotropic medications at discharge.
Potential Biases
Prescription data might not be correctly submitted to the database if not properly recorded in electronic medical records.
Limitations
The study did not obtain information on psychiatric symptom severity, timing of onset of mental illness, and adverse events caused by psychotropic medications.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were males aged 30-50, with schizophrenia being the most common diagnosis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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