Abstract :
Aim Quality of life has recently been
emphasized in themanagement of schizophrenia, yet data
from developing country is lacking. We explored the
differences in subjective quality of life between conventional
antipsychotics (CAs) and atypical antipsychotics
(AAs). Methods This is a naturalistic study conducted
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Patients with first-episode
schizophrenia and related psychosis were recruited
from Kuala Lumpur Hospital. WHOQOL-BREF, side
effects of medications and other variables were assessed
after 1 year of treatment in routine clinical situation.
Results The study comprised 120 adults. There
were no significant statistical differences between
groups concerning subjective quality of life, extrapyramidal
side effects and employment. Significant less
benzhexol usage was reported among AAs (P < 0.001)
compared to CAs and sulpiride. Conclusion Patients
treated with CAs, sulpiride or AAs experienced similar
quality of life, clinical and health outcomes after 1 year
commencing treatment. Overall, the results are in line
with other major pragmatic clinical trials. This study
also found sulpiride cost-effective.
