A quantitative analysis of antipsychotic prescribing trends for the treatment of schizophrenia in England and Wales

Abstract

Objective This study aims to assess the current antipsychotic prescribing trends for the treatment of schizophrenia and to compare them with available guidelines and research evidence. Design An observational retrospective quantitative analysis. Setting Data were collected from the prescribing cost analysis for the period between 2007 and 2014, including all drugs from the British National Formulary 4.2.1 and 4.2.2. Prescriptions were included from primary and secondary healthcare settings in England and Wales. Participants None. Main outcome measures Defined daily doses of antipsychotics were used to compare popularity of individual drugs and classes of antipsychotics. Results There is a consistent increase in the proportion of atypical antipsychotics prescribed, compared to typical antipsychotics, between 2007 and 2014, with atypicals accounting for 79.9% of total antipsychotics prescribed in 2014. Conclusion The consistent popularity of atypical antipsychotics is not concordant with the current National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia or the most recent research evidence.