Qualitative study of patients with dual pathology in treatment with aripiprazole extended-release injectable suspension

Abstract

Introduction

Studies describe patients with dual pathology as subjects with worse clinical evolution and worse therapeutic response. These subjects have high percentages of worse therapeutic compliance and low adherence to psychopharmacological treatment. The conventional antipsychotics can induce dysphoria and worse craving and drug use. The long duration-injectable antipsychotics could serve as a good therapeutic alternative because they combine efficacy and tolerability.

Objectives

We analyzed subjects treated with aripiprazole injectable to demonstrate its effectiveness on symptomatology, the reduction of craving and consumption of substances.

Materials and methods

We studied subjects with dual disorders at a Center for Attention to drug addicts treated with aripiprazole extended-release injectable. All of them met criteria for the diagnosis of disorders for cannabis and cocaine use. All of them had been previously treated with oral antipsychotics and/or injectable of long duration. Evolution of craving and consumption were evaluated through clinical interviews and urine analysis.

Results

Cannabis was the main substance for all the patients. Three of them also often abused of cocaine. All of them were taking other treatments previously. The main causes of the change were: side effects and/or poor compliance. Only one patient discontinued follow-up. The rest of them showed good therapeutic adherence and better tolerability with aripiprazole injectable. The monthly dose was 400 mg.

Conclusions

Aripiprazole extended-release injectable is a good choice for dual disorders. A good therapeutic adherence involves not only a psychopathological improvement but also respect to craving and consumption, which makes aripiprazole injectable a suitable therapeutic option.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.