Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.125

Long-Acting Antipsychotics

Tanja Barišić ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia; Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
Karla Perović ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Antonia Prnjak ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Dora Vukorepa ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Tonći Mastelić ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia; Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia *
Duška Krnić ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
Mariano Kaliterna ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; Department of Medical Humanities, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
Silvana Krnić ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia; Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
Davor Lasić ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
Trpimir Glavina ; Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Long-acting antipsychotics are a valuable tool
in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia
and psychotic-spectrum disorders. They are
particularly important for improving adherence,
which is often the main obstacle to recovery
in psychiatric patients. Despite this, they are
still not used to a sufficient extent. Our aim is
to initiate a discussion on this important topic,
drawing on the long-standing experience of the
Department of Psychiatry at the University Hospital
Centre Split, which serves as the Ministry
of Health’s Reference Center for Long-Acting
Antipsychotics. We want to present the perspectives of physicians, nurses, as well as patients and
their families. This year marks 20 years since the
first use of a new-generation long-acting formulation
(long-acting risperidone, March 15, 2006).
At the Department of Psychiatry, University
Hospital Center Split, approximately 25% of patients
receive a long-acting antipsychotic during
inpatient treatment. If we look only at patients
with diagnoses from F20 to F29, 47% of them
receive a long-acting antipsychotic. In addition
to schizophrenia spectrum disorders, these medications
are also used in the treatment of mood
disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and
personality disorders. Our Long-Acting Therapy
Clinic, the first of its kind in the Republic of
Croatia, began operating 10 years ago (February
1, 2016). While long-acting paliperidone is the
most frequently prescribed in the inpatient setting,
long-acting olanzapine predominates in the
Long-Acting Therapy Outpatient Clinic. In the
work of the Outpatient Clinic, the nurse plays
an important role by building a relationship of
trust with patients, providing continuous support,
and educating both patients and their families.
Through regular visits for therapy administration,
the nurse has the opportunity to get to
know the patient, monitor their condition, and
recognize treatment-related difficulties in a timely
manner. All of these are important elements
of adherence and treatment success. Recognizing
the importance of psychoeducation, we decided
to create educational materials on long-acting
antipsychotics for patients and their families.
Drawing on clinical experience, we offered them
basic information about the medications, the importance
of treatment, side effects, and the advantages
of long-acting antipsychotics, striving
to make them partners in the treatment process.
By opening this topic and its many branches, we
hope to stimulate the exchange of experience and
knowledge with other colleagues and professions,
to our mutual benefit and satisfaction.

Keywords

long-acting antipsychotics; Reference Center; Long-Acting Therapy Clinic; psychoeducation; University Hospital Centre Split

Hrčak ID:

352255

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352255

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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