Rapid treatment initiation in patients with schizophrenia: evaluation of the clinical and functional outcomes of the two-injection start regimen of aripiprazole once-monthly

YILMAZ Y., Yavuz S., Soğucak S., ÇAM S.

International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/13651501.2025.2599389
  • Dergi Adı: International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: acute psychotic episode, aripiprazole, Schizophrenia, two-injection start
  • Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the short-term efficacy, safety, tolerability, and side effect profile of the two-injection start (TIS) regimen of aripiprazole once-monthly long-acting injection (AOM 400 mg) in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Methods: This retrospective study included 50 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-5 criteria who received the TIS regimen of AOM 400 mg. Patients were divided into two groups: those followed with AOM monotherapy (Group 1) and those receiving AOM with oral agents (Group 2). Assessments included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression scales (CGI-S, CGI-I, CGI-SE), and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Evaluations were performed at baseline and at weeks 1, 2, and 4. Hospital stay duration and side effects were recorded. Results: Both groups showed significant reductions in hospital stay and PANSS scores, with improved GAF and CGI-I scores (p < 0.001). No serious side effects occurred, and mild effects resolved by week 4. Conclusion: The TIS regimen of AOM 400 mg demonstrated rapid symptomatic and functional improvement with good tolerability. Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted.