The Feasibility Test of Korean Medication Algorithm for the Treatment with Schizophrenic Patients(I): Analysis Focusing on the Effectiveness of Treatment
Schizophrenia ; Korean medication algorithm ; Feasibility test ; Effectiveness
Abstract
Objectives : The Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology and the Korean Academy of Schizophrenia developed the Korean algorithm project for schizophrenia to aid clinical decisions. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of Korean Medication Algorithm for Schizophrenia patients in clinical settings in Korea.
Methods : A total of 108 schizophrenia and schizophreniform disorder patients were enrolled at 19 centers and treated according to the algorithm. PANSS (Positive and Negative Symptom Scale) and CGI (Clinical Global Impression) were used to evaluate symptom severity. Also UKU (UKU side effect rating scale) and LUNSERS (Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale), DAI-10 (Drug Attitude Inventory-10), PPS (Patient Preference Scale), SWN (Subjective Well-Being under Neuroleptic treatment) and WHOQOL (World Health Organization Quality of Life) were used to evaluate tolerability and satisfaction of patient respectively.
Results : Overall ratings including symptom severity, compliance of medication, side effect of medication, quality of life were favorable. The treatment response (PANSS improvement ≥20%) rate was 63%, 75% at the first Clinical decision point (CDP) and 4 month respectively.
Conclusion:Symptom improvement, tolerability and quality of life were all favorable. These results suggest that this algorithm can be useful in clinical practices.