Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions Surrounding the Use of Long-acting Injectable Antipsychotic Agents for Treatment of Schizophrenia

Abstract: Introduction: Schizophrenia affects over 3 million people in the United States. Despite data supporting the use of long-acting injectable antipsychotic agents (LAIs), myths and misconceptions commonly held by physicians lead to underutilization. Methods: A panel of 4 experts was formed to collate common myths/misconceptions, systematically review the literature, and provide expert opinions to dispel these false ideas. Results: Three main myths/misconceptions were identified: (1) physicians know when patients are nonadherent, (2) patients do not accept/want LAI treatment, and (3) LAIs are only appropriate for patients who are nonadherent. The panel came to the following conclusions regarding the myths. Myth 1: adherence is difficult to assess accurately and clinicians often overestimate the level of adherence. Treatment with LAIs may reduce nonadherence and help transform it from covert to overt nonadherence. Myth 2: physicians tend to overestimate patient concerns about LAIs, leading many to avoid prescribing them. However, most patients, when approached skillfully, are accepting of LAI treatment. Myth 3: LAIs delay time to hospitalization, reduce relapse rate, and reduce risk of rehospitalization in patients with schizophrenia, including those with early-phase disease. Based on this, expert consensus supports the use of LAIs more broadly, including in patients in the early course of their illness and not only in patients who have demonstrated nonadherence. Conclusions: Identification of these wrongly held beliefs and education on published data available to dispel these false ideas are important for physicians to make appropriate, evidence-based decisions regarding treatment choices for their patients.Short Description: Despite data supporting the use of long-acting injectable antipsychotic agents (LAIs), myths and misconceptions commonly held by physicians lead to underutilization. A panel of experts reviewed published data and provided expert opinions to dispel myths and misconceptions commonly held by physicians surrounding the underutilization of LAIs for treatment of schizophrenia.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc.