Abstract

PRESCRIBING PATTERN OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG AMONG SCHIZOPHRENIA AND RELATED PSYCHOTIC DISORDER PATIENTS

Sabin Shrestha*, Nabina Basaula*, Rahi Bikram Thapa, Pharsuram Adhikari and Nayem Uddin Prince

ABSTRACT

Background: Psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, are a global public health concern requiring efficient management and accessible, affordable treatment options to minimize severe consequences. Objective: To assess the prescription pattern of psychotropic drugs given to patients with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Mental Hospital, targeting patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. A total of 119 samples were collected over three months. Data was extracted from patient cardex, case sheets, discharge summaries, and interviews. The results were analyzed using descriptive methods and expressed as numbers and percentages. Results: The study analyzed 119 prescriptions for schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, revealing that the most common age group affected was 30-39 years, with a higher prevalence of male patients. 18.5% of patients had a family history of psychotic disorders, and 10.1% had a history of head injuries. The majority of patients were diagnosed with unspecified non-organic psychosis (66.4%), followed by schizophrenia (25.2%). Atypical antipsychotics were used in 98.3% of patients, with trifluoperazine being the most prescribed antipsychotic (40.3%). The most common psychotic disorder was F29, with a high incidence between 20-59 years. The majority of drugs were prescribed to patients aged 30-39 years (72.3%). Conclusion: The study found that most patients had unspecified nonorganic psychosis and schizophrenia, with antipsychotics being the most commonly prescribed class, with a preference for atypical antipsychotics, and 18.5% had a family history of the disorder.

Keywords: Psychotic disorders, Antipsychotic medications, Schizophrenia, Atypical antipsychotics, Prescribing patterns.