Observational data link LAI antipsychotics to 29% fewer admissions and 77% lower mortality in older schizophrenia patients
Two observational studies from Hong Kong territory-wide data associate LAI antipsychotics with reduced hospitalizations in bipolar disorder and lower mortality in older schizophrenia patients. Benefits appear largest with early use and second-generation agents. Residual confounding and absence of randomized controls limit causal claims.
Next steps require pragmatic cluster-randomized trials embedding LAI protocols in community mental-health teams, with primary endpoints of time-to-readmission and functional status measured at 24 months. Regulators should track post-marketing extrapyramidal and metabolic signals in adults over 75.
Chan et al.: Within 36 months, at least two Hong Kong Hospital Authority clusters will report a 15% uptake increase in second-generation LAIs among eligible older patients following guideline updates.
Sources (2)
- [1]Primary Source(https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(26)00234-1/fulltext)
- [2]Supporting Source(https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2026.25030412)