Medical decision making in antipsychotic drug choice for schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: The influence of patient and physician variables on antipsychotic drug choice for patients with schizophrenia was assessed. METHOD: Interviews with 100 psychiatrists on drug choice for 200 patients suffering from schizophrenia were conducted. Data were analyzed by using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Older physicians were up to five times more likely to prescribe first-generation antipsychotics. Patient variables did not influence treatment decisions significantly. CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need for more research on clinical decision making and quality management.