10‐Year trends in the treatment and outcomes of patients with first‐episode schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: The first episode of schizophrenia is a critical period for illness course and outcomes. We aimed to investigate treatments and outcomes during the first year after the diagnosis of schizophrenia. METHOD: Pharmacoepidemiologic inception cohort study of all newly diagnosed patients with schizophrenia in Denmark (n = 13,600) 1996-2005. RESULTS: From 1996 to 2005, the mean age at first diagnosis decreased significantly (29.2-26.1 years), more patients received antipsychotics (67.2-80.7%, annual OR = 1.07, CI: 1.06-1.09, P < 0.001) and antipsychotic polypharmacy for >4 months (16.7-37.1%, OR = 1.14, CI: 1.12-1.57, P < 0.001). The antipsychotic defined daily dosage (DDD) doubled (150-332 DDD, P < 0.001), use of antidepressants (24.3-40.6%, P < 0.001). Bed days [89.9 days (CI: 81.8-98.8) to 71.8 days, CI: 63.7-80.8, P < 0.0001] decreased, whereas outpatient contacts [10.2 (CI: 9.5-11.0) to 21.4 (CI: 19.9-21.0), P < 0.0001] doubled. CONCLUSION: Between 1996 and 2005, there was an earlier recognition of schizophrenia, intensified outpatient treatment, increased use and dosing of antipsychotics and antidepressants, but also more antipsychotic polypharmacy.