Abstract
 Introduction
The aim of this study was to evaluate discontinuation of quetiapine treatment in adolescents (12–18 years) in a 6-month naturalistic follow-up study and to assess the influence of distinct demographic and clinical factors on quetiapine discontinuation. Material and methods
We performed a naturalistic 6-month follow-up study in 61 antipsychotic-naïve patients [39 boys (64%)] who initiated quetiapine treatment.
Quetiapine treatment in adolescents: a 6-month naturalistic study
 
  Keywords
 
 
  
   Adolescent
  
 
 
  
   Antipsychotics
  
 
 
  
   Compliance
  
 
 
  
   Discontinuation
  
 
 
  
   Parkinsonism
  
 
Abstract
 Introduction
The aim of this study was to evaluate discontinuation of quetiapine treatment in adolescents (12–18 years) in a 6-month naturalistic follow-up study and to assess the influence of distinct demographic and clinical factors on quetiapine discontinuation.
Material and methods
We performed a naturalistic 6-month follow-up study in 61 antipsychotic-naïve patients [39 boys (64%)] who initiated quetiapine treatment.
The dependent variable was treatment discontinuation for any cause (continuation/discontinuation was a dichotomic variable).
The independent variables were age, gender, race, duration of <dis>mental illness</dis>, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score at treatment initiation, adverse effects in the first 16 days of treatment, the presence of involuntary movements before starting treatment, and abusive consumption or toxic dependency.
Results
Of the 61 patients participating in the study, 42 (68.9%) complied with quetiapine treatment for 6 months, while 19 (31.1%) discontinued the treatment (for any cause).
The presence of Parkinson-like symptoms before starting treatment was a risk factor for discontinuation (Hazard ratio=8.3, _P_ =.007).
Conclusions
Continuation/discontinuation of quetiapine was influenced by the presence of motor symptoms before treatment initiation, which therefore affected the patient's overall prognosis.
Consequently, we recommend that the presence of motor symptoms be evaluated before treatment with antipsychotic drugs is started.
Abstract
 Introduction
The aim of this study was to evaluate discontinuation of quetiapine treatment in adolescents (12–18 years) in a 6-month naturalistic follow-up study and to assess the influence of distinct demographic and clinical factors on quetiapine discontinuation.
Material and methods
We performed a naturalistic 6-month follow-up study in 61 antipsychotic-naïve patients [39 boys (64%)] who initiated quetiapine treatment.
The dependent variable was treatment discontinuation for any cause (continuation/discontinuation was a dichotomic variable).
The independent variables were age, gender, race, duration of mental illness, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score at treatment initiation, adverse effects in the first 16 days of treatment, the presence of involuntary movements before starting treatment, and abusive consumption or toxic dependency.
Results
Of the 61 patients participating in the study, 42 (68.9%) complied with quetiapine treatment for 6 months, while 19 (31.1%) discontinued the treatment (for any cause).
The presence of Parkinson-like symptoms before starting treatment was a risk factor for discontinuation (Hazard ratio=8.3, _P_ =.007).
Conclusions
Continuation/discontinuation of quetiapine was influenced by the presence of motor symptoms before treatment initiation, which therefore affected the patient's overall prognosis.
Consequently, we recommend that the presence of motor symptoms be evaluated before treatment with antipsychotic drugs is started.
Abstract
 Introduction
The aim of this study was to evaluate discontinuation of quetiapine treatment in adolescents (12–18 years) in a 6-month naturalistic follow-up study and to assess the influence of distinct demographic and clinical factors on quetiapine discontinuation. Material and methods
We performed a naturalistic 6-month follow-up study in 61 antipsychotic-naïve patients [39 boys (64%)] who initiated quetiapine treatment.