Psychiatric trainees' opinions toward novel antipsychotics

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate opinions and prescribing practices towards atypical antipsychotics (AA) among psychiatric trainees in Greece.

Material and Methods

A study of a convenience sample of Greek psychiatric trainees (n = 160) was conducted, in 2001. Their mean age was 32.8 (± 2.7) years. There were 82 male (51%) and 78 female (49%). 111 trainees (69%) were working at National Health System and 49 (31%) at University Departments. All respondents completed a 10-items questionnaire that measures opinions and prescribing practices toward novel antipsychotics.

Results

The most often used AA were: risperidone (98.7%), olanzapine (98.1%), clozapine (79.2%), quetiapine (61.0%), sertindole (1.9%). Ziprasidone and amisulpride were not yet available in Greek market during the study time period. Combination therapy with atypical and conventional antipsychotics (63.3%) as well as monotherapy with atypical antipsychotics (24.1%) were considered as treatments of choice for treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS). The AA more often used as monotherapy in treatment resistant schizophrenia were clozapine (72.5%), risperidone (18.1%) and olanzapine (8.8%).

Discussion

The most commonly used AA were risperidone and olanzapine. Clozapine monotherapy as well as combination therapy with atypical and conventional antipsychotics were considered as treatments of choice for TRS.