Medical decision making in antipsychotic drug choice for schizophrenia

Am J Psychiatry. 2004 Jul;161(7):1301-4. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.161.7.1301.

Abstract

Objective: The influence of patient and physician variables on antipsychotic drug choice for patients with schizophrenia was assessed.

Method: Interviews with 100 psychiatrists on drug choice for 200 patients suffering from schizophrenia were conducted. Data were analyzed by using multiple logistic regression.

Results: Older physicians were up to five times more likely to prescribe first-generation antipsychotics. Patient variables did not influence treatment decisions significantly.

Conclusions: There is an urgent need for more research on clinical decision making and quality management.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Drug Prescriptions / statistics & numerical data
  • Drug Utilization / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians' / statistics & numerical data*
  • Psychiatry / statistics & numerical data*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents