The Effects of Treatment Regimens in Accordance with International Guidelines Among Turkish Patients with Schizophrenia: A Single-Center Naturalistic Observation Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to learn the current and former treatment regimens of patients with schizophrenia, and to examine the suitability of treatment period to international treatment guidelines. Methods: This naturalistic and retrospective study included 315 cases who applied to the psychiatry clinic and met the diagnosis criteria for schizophrenia according to the DSM-5. The severity of disease was evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impressions Scale(CGI). The current and former treatment approaches were examined according to the recommendations of international treatment guidelines(NICE, APA, TMAP). Results: Considering the current treatments of the patients, the rate of antipsychotic monotherapy was 69.5%, the usage rate of long-acting antipsychotic was 41.9% and the rate of clozapine treatment was 11.4%. Of the patients with sufficient information about their history of treatment, 70.62% were found to have treatment approaches compatible with international treatment guidelines. It was found that CGI, PANSS negative and PANSS total scores of those with a treatment regime compatible with the treatment algorithm were significantly lower. Conclusion: It is necessary to have sufficient information about the medical history of patients to plan a rational, safe and effective treatment compatible with the treatment guidelines. Regular patient follow-up in a certain center significantly contributes to learning the necessary patient data. It was found in the evaluations that treatment approaches compatible with the guidelines have a positive effect on the severity of disease.