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Antipsychotic agents

Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics Hold Promise in Treating Schizophrenia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

According to recent research from Italy, long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) have the potential to significantly impact treatment adherence and disease trajectories in patients with schizophrenia. However, their utilization in clinical practice remains limited. The study, conducted by Alessandra Massaro and colleagues, surveyed Italian psychiatrists to evaluate their attitudes towards LAIs and identified several barriers to their prescription.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that 98% of Italian psychiatrists supported the use of LAIs early in the illness to improve long-term outcomes.
  • Main reasons for LAIs prescription included better post-discharge treatment adherence, stable drug levels, and improved symptoms control.
  • Key factors guiding LAI choice were efficacy, tolerability, and patient characteristics.
  • Barriers to LAIs prescription included diagnostic uncertainty at the first episodes of psychosis, limited number of active LAIs, poor dose flexibility, and risks of long-lasting adverse effects.
  • Patient and caregiver attitudes towards LAIs were also identified as a significant factor in their use, with prolonged drug presence in the body and a sense of being controlled being major concerns.
  • The study highlighted the importance of shared decision-making in overcoming these barriers and fosters a collaborative approach between clinicians, patients, and caregivers.

Statistics:

  • 150 Italian psychiatrists completed the survey out of 173 eligible participants.
  • 98% of psychiatrists supported the use of LAIs early in the illness.
  • 7-day observation period was typically required before initiating LAIs.
  • 75% of respondents identified efficacy, tolerability, and patient characteristics as key factors guiding LAI choice.
  • 60% of psychiatrists reported concerns about the risks of long-lasting adverse effects of LAIs.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Alessandra Massaro and Co-Researchers in the Area of Schizophrenia Described (Attitudes of Italian psychiatrists towards the use of Long-Acting Injectable antipsychotics in the management of schizophrenia relapse: insights from ...). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 27, 2025; p 179.
  • Massaro, A., et al. (2025). Attitudes of Italian psychiatrists towards the use of Long-Acting Injectable antipsychotics in the management of schizophrenia relapse: insights from the ALIA study. Schizophrenia Research, 285, 313-322.

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