Therapy initiation during a first acute episode psychosis in the psychiatric department of Mahdia

Abstract

Introduction

The quality of the therapeutic care during a first episode psychosis (FEP) determines the middle- and long-term prognosis.

Objectives

The aim of our study is to describe the therapeutic attitudes in front of a FEP and discuss them according to current international recommendations.

Methods

This is a retrospective descriptive study. All patients with a FEP, hospitalized in the psychiatric department of the university hospital, Mahdia during the period from 15 May 2000 to 31 December 2013 have been included.

Results

We recruited 111 patients. The average age was 27 years, a male predominance was noted. Initially, the majority of patients were treated in monotherapy (55.9%) and mostly with typical antipsychotic drugs (80.2%), by injection. Among those under association, 63.4% received corrective treatment and 26.8% a benzodiazepine. The prescription of a mood stabilizer and an antidepressant was noted in respectively 5.6 and 2.8% of cases. The majority of patients received typical antipsychotic drugs (53.1%) while 39.6% were under atypical antipsychotic. The follow-up period, after which a reduction of the antipsychotic dose was decided, ranged from 1 to 66 months with an average of 8.26.

Conclusion

The progression to a chronic psychosis, still has a severe connotation. The Early and adequate therapeutic care in accordance with the international recommendations, determines the prognosis and constitute a decisive moment in the evolutionary trajectory of the disease.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.