Approaches to Conversations About Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics-View Presentation Slides

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The document is a comprehensive guide by the American Psychiatric Association, focusing on long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) and their benefits, particularly for patients with schizophrenia in the early phases of their illness. Key objectives include facilitating discussions between clinicians and patients regarding LAIs, emphasizing benefits like consistent dosage and fewer side effects compared to oral medications, while addressing potential patient reservations such as fear of needles or feeling that LAIs are punitive.<br /><br />The document presents various perspectives, including those of patients and clinicians, detailing studies like the PRELAPSE trial which examined the impact of LAIs on reducing hospitalizations for early-phase schizophrenia. Findings indicate that LAIs can significantly delay the time to first hospitalization and lower overall mortality, showcasing their effectiveness over oral antipsychotics. <br /><br />Clinicians' hesitancies are also addressed, including issues with cost, perceived invasiveness of injections, and impact on the therapeutic relationship. Recommendations are provided to improve clinician-patient dialogues, utilizing shared decision-making and motivational interviewing techniques to elicit patient cooperation and preference, aiming to present LAIs as an empowering choice rather than a last resort.<br /><br />The guide further elaborates on eligibility criteria for LAI use, emphasizing personalization in treatment plans to consider factors such as patient preference, tolerability, and relapse risks. It stresses the importance of overcoming barriers like transportation challenges to improve treatment adherence, advocating for supportive environments.<br /><br />Training for prescribers and discussions on best practices aim to bolster the confidence of healthcare providers when recommending LAIs, reinforcing the potential benefits for patients and addressing common misconceptions to enhance compliance and treatment outcomes.

Keywords

long-acting injectable antipsychotics

schizophrenia treatment

patient-clinician dialogue

PRELAPSE trial

hospitalization reduction

shared decision-making

motivational interviewing

treatment adherence

personalized treatment

healthcare provider training