Common use of anticholinergic medications in older patients with schizophrenia: Findings of the Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Pattern (REAP) study, 2001-2009

Yu Tao Xiang, Faith Dickerson, Julie Kreyenbuhl, Gabor S. Ungvari, Chuan Yue Wang, Tian Mei Si, Edwin H M Lee, Helen F K Chiu, Kelly Y C Lai, Yan Ling He, Shu Yu Yang, Mian Yoon Chong, Chay Hoon Tan, Ee Heok Kua, Senta Fujii, Kang Sim, Michael K H Yong, Jitendra K. Trivedi, Eun Kee Chung, Pichet UdomratnKok Yoon Chee, Norman Sartorius, Naotaka Shinfuku

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective This study surveyed the use of anticholinergic medications (ACMs) in older Asian patients with schizophrenia and examined its demographic and clinical correlates. Method A total of 1452 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia aged 55 years or older in nine Asian countries and territories were surveyed between 2001 and 2009. The cross-sectional data of patients' socio-demographic and clinical characteristics and the prescriptions of antipsychotic drugs and ACM were recorded using a standardized protocol and data collection procedure. Results The frequency of ACM prescription was 64.6% in the pooled sample, with 72.4%, 61.9%, and 59.5% in 2001, 2004, and 2009, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis of the whole sample revealed that patients on ACM had a higher dose of antipsychotic medications, and were more likely to have extrapyramidal side effects and receive first-generation antipsychotic medications. Conclusions Anticholinergic medications were frequently used in older Asian patients with schizophrenia. Considering the potential side effects of ACM, the rationale for their widespread use in this patient population should be revisited.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)305-311
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2013

Keywords

  • anticholinergic
  • Asia
  • older patients
  • prescription patterns
  • schizophrenia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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