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

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.