The lived experience of clozapine discontinuation in patients and carers following suspected clozapine-induced neutropenia.
BMC Psychiatry
; 23(1): 413, 2023 06 08.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37291505
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Clozapine is the treatment of choice in refractory psychosis. In most countries, clozapine must be stopped indefinitely if white blood cells fall below a defined threshold during routine monitoring. Despite evidence of severe adverse consequences of clozapine discontinuation, published accounts on the lived experiences and perspectives of patients and carers are scarce.METHOD:
We completed semi-structured interviews with patients (n = 4) and family carers (n = 4) on experiences of clozapine cessation following suspected drug-induced neutropenia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.RESULTS:
The two overarching themes comprised(i) stress of clozapine below threshold neutrophil results and (ii) patient and carer priorities.CONCLUSIONS:
There is a suggested need for evidence-based pharmacological and psychological approaches to support patients and carers after clozapine cessation. Such approaches will minimise the potentially negative physical and emotional sequela in the aftermath of a below threshold neutrophil result and reduce the likelihood of experiencing additional health and social inequalities after clozapine discontinuation.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Transtornos Psicóticos
/
Antipsicóticos
/
Clozapina
/
Neutropenia
Tipo de estudo:
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article