Depot antipsychotics. Patient characteristics and prescribing pattern

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prescribing pattern of depot neuroleptics and the clinical characteristics of patients attending depot clinic.

METHODS: A case series of chronic psychotics attending the depot clinic in the day care center at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Riyadh, over 10 years. Data was obtained from hospital records, patients interview and contact with patients' relatives and social workers.

RESULTS: The total number of patients was 69 (55% were males). The majority were single schizophrenics between 25 and 45 years. Fifty-one percent of patients lost contact with the service. The Chlorpromazine equivalent depot dose was 188.5 mg/day.

CONCLUSION: Patients clinical characteristics were not significant predictors of use or non-compliance with depot neuroleptics. Losing contact with service was very high. Regular internal audits are required.