Objectives:

To provide basic data for psychopharmacologic research of schizophrenic patients, we analyzed and characterized prescribing patterns of outpatients with schizophrenia in Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH).

Method:

This study is a descriptive and retrospective report. Subjects were outpatients with schizophrenia in SNUH from March 1, 2002 through June 31, 2002. We obtained data of prescriptions and diagnoses from order communication system (OCS).

Result:

There were 825 outpatients with schizophrenia in that period (476 males and 349 females). 805 schizophrenia outpatients were taking antipsychotics. The total number of antipsychotic prescription was 862. The percentage of taking atypical antipsychotics was 88.1 among total antipsychotic prescription and that of typical antipsychotics was 11.9. Risperidone was prescribed most frequently (39.0%), and the next was clozapine(29.0%). There were 57 cases of antipsychotic polypharmacy.

Conclusion:

Our results which reflected evidence-based prescriptions in SNUH showed that atypical antipsychotics were replacing typical antipsychotics. But it seemed that there was possibility that clinicians prescription was restrained by health insurance policy.Clinical practice guideline for schizophrenia seems to be necessary for effective pharmacotherapy.