Concordance with long-acting antipsychotic injections in first episode psychosis – a regional review from the West Midlands (UK) Network.
Poster B70, Friday, October 21, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Alan Farmer1; 1Worcestershire Early Intervention Service UK
BACKGROUND Partial/non-concordance is a major factor in relapse or failure to achieve remission of symptoms. This is particularly significant in first episode psychosis (FEP) with under 50% of people adequately concordant during the first year of treatmen when symptoms/longer term outcomes are responsive to bio-psychosocial support. People at increased risk can be identified within this high risk group and LAIs avoids the need to take medication on a daily basis. Partial/non-concordance with LAIs can still be an issue if people regularly delay receiving their injection or will only accept a lower dose against the advice of professional. After a pilot in the Worcestershire Early Intervention Service (EIS) we present data from a larger number of people from several EIS teams across the UK. METHODS A definition for partial/non-concordance with LAIs was developed by the Worcestershire EIS and piloted in 2014 looking at clinical and demographic factors. This current review presents data on a larger number of people with FEP receiving LAIs. RESULTS Rates of non-concordance remained low in this high risk group but partial concordance often needed ongoing management. The risks of partial/non-concordance are predictable from clinical data as in the pilot study. CONCLUSIONS The early offer of LAIs as a positive choice to young people at greater risk of relapse through partial/non-concordance can be an effective intervention. Ongoing concordance should be supported with timely introduction of this treatment option, a sensitivity to side effects and, where necessary, an assertive approach to consistent community treatment.
Topic Area: Psychopharmacology