Pharmacopsychiatry 2003; 36 - 205
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-827087

Antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenic patients. 6-month data of the 3-year European observational study of health outcomes (SOHO)

D Naber 1, M Krausz 1, D Novick 2, J Czekalla 3
  • 1Psychiatric Department, University of Hamburg
  • 2Lilly Research Centre, Windlesham Surrey, UK
  • 3Medical Department, Division of Neuroscience/Lilly Deutschland GmbH

The SOHO study investigates the use and cost-effectiveness of antipsychotic (AP) medication. As part of the current 6-month analysis, patient retention rates and dosages given during the observation period were evaluated and mono- vs. combination therapy was compared.

10,204 patients participate, retention rate after 6 months was 89%, varying from 67% (Netherlands) to 96% (Italy). Retention rates by cohort were highest for depot typicals (93%), followed by clozapine (92%), and lowest for amisulpride (86%). The retention rate for olanzapine was 88%.

The majority of patients (83%) received their AP medication as monotherapy (57% in Portugal to 93% in the Netherlands). Most patients remained on their initial therapy; 73% in Portugal for risperidone and 100% in Spain for clozapine.

At the meeting, data for the 12 month period will also be available.