Drug Prescribing Patterns of Outpatients with Schizophrenia in a University Hospital

Kwon, Jun Soo; Kim, Eui Tae; Ha, Tae Hyon; Roh, Kyu Sik; Choi, Jung Seok; Kim, Yong Sik

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To provide basic data for psychopharmacologic research of schizophrenic patients, we analyzed and characterized prescribing patterns of outpatients with schizophrenia in Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH).
METHODS
This study is a descriptive and retrospective report. Subjects were outpatients with schizophrenia in SNUH from March 1, 2002 through June 31, 2002. We obtained data of prescriptions and diagnoses from order communication system (OCS).
RESULTS
There were 825 outpatients with schizophrenia (476 males and 349 females). 805 schizophrenia outpatients were taking antipsychotics. The total number of antipsychotic prescription was 862. The percentage of taking atypical antipsychotics was 88.1% among total antipsychotic prescription and 11.9% taking typical antipsychotics. Risperidone was prescribed most frequently (39.0%), and the next was clozapine (29.0%). There were 57 cases of antipsychotic polypharmacy.
CONCLUSION
Our results which reflected evidence-based prescriptions in SNUH showed that atypical antipsychotics were replacing typical antipsychotics. But there was a possibility that clinician's selection of medication was influenced by health insurance policy. Clinical guideline for the treatment of schizophrenia seems necessary for effective pharmacotherapy.