Which antipsychotics would mental health professionals take themselves?

Abstract

Aims and method: Many studies report prescribing preferences for antipsychotics but few have examined what professionals would choose for themselves if they were diagnosed with schizophrenia. We asked 188 nurses, pharmacists and doctors which antipsychotic they would prefer to be prescribed. Results: Risperidone (n=49, 26.1%), olanzapine (n=49, 26.1%) and aripiprazole (n=35,18.6%) were the most popular choices. Clinical implications: Professionals' choice was in line with the latest evidence on comparative effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics and therefore might be a sensitive indicator of the most effective antipsychotic.