Ethnic Differences in Antipsychotic treatment responses in Early
Intervention in Psychosis
Abstract
Background Ethnic variations in pathways to early intervention in
psychosis (EIP) have been studied. However it is important to explore
the ethnic variations in response to pharmacological treatment in EIP.
Aims To look at ethnic variation in response to antipsychotics. Method
Electronic patient records in December 2018 were perused for: 1.
Sociodemographic details including ethnicity 2. Prescribed antipsychotic
and dosage to which the patient had responded Results White, Black and
Asian ethnic groups responded mostly to Olanzapine. The largest
proportion of the mixed ethnic group responded to Aripiprazole. The
White and Asian groups showed the best responses to Lurasidone at 74 mg.
There was a slight response in the mixed and other ethnic group only at
the higher dose of 111 mg. The medication has not been used with any
benefit in the Black ethnic group. Conclusion The complex differences
highlighted amongst ethnic responses to treatment make a case for
multi-centric studies to further explore ethnic differences in early
intervention treatments. This will help streamline offered treatments to
maximise response in EIP.