الفهرس 
HISTORY OF CLOZAPINEOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Background: Clozapine is one of the most potent anti-psychotic medications known for its evidence-based superiority in resistant cases. However, due to its famous adverse effects, clozapine prescription patterns are variable, and it’s underutilized in many areas. Based on this, the current study aimed to
assess the rate of occurrence of clozapine use as well as the clinical and sociodemographic correlates relevant to its use. During the study procedure, we enrolled all the psychiatric inpatients in one of Egypt’s biggest governmental mental hospitals which included 300 patients at the time of the study. The subjects were divided into two groups according to whether they were receiving clozapine or not as part of their management plan.
Results: The main indication for clozapine use was schizophrenia. Regarding treatment resistant schizophrenia, all patients diagnosed with treatment resistant schizophrenia in group 1 received clozapine. However, clozapine was underused in group 2, as one-third of the patients had treatment resistant schizophrenia and therefore were eligible for clozapine use but didn’t receive it, and yet it was used for other non-indicated reasons as bipolar affective disorder and sedation. The clinical predictors for clozapine use were longer duration of illness and longer duration of hospitalization, and a positive history of suicidal attempts. And as for the sociodemographic predictors, they included older age, male gender, illiterate educational levels, and single marital status.
Conclusion: Clozapine was underused in treatment resistant schizophrenia and yet was given for other non-indicated reasons. Predicators of clozapine use include longer duration of illness and longer duration of hospitalization, a positive history of suicidal attempts, older age, male gender, illiterate educational levels, and single marital status.