CLINICAL BENEFIT AND UTILITY OF ARIPIPRAZOLE ONCE MONTHLY IN ROUTINE PRACTICE FOR KOREAN BIPOLAR PATIENTS

Abstract Background Adherence to medication in individuals with bipolar disorder is a crucial factor predicting long-term treatment outcomes. However, the discontinuation rate for Korean bipolar disorder patients over a 3- year period reaches nearly 50%. Aims & Objectives While the use of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medications is on the rise to improve adherence and manage mood stabilizer side effects, there is a lack of research regarding the functional improvement and therapeutic effects of LAIs in Korean bipolar disorder patients. Methods This study is a non-interventional, retrospective, naturalistic observational analysis based on medical records. The starting point for assessing Aripiprazole Once Monthly (AOM) treatment is when it was initiated in routine clinical settings. Data is collected at 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, and 12- month intervals using medical records. The primary evaluation variable is the change in the average GAF (Global Assessment of Functioning) score over 12 months, while secondary evaluation variables include changes in scores for YMRS, K-MADRS, HAM-A, dosages of mood stabilizers, antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, anticholinergic medications, and the number of pills. Results Analyzing 23 patients the findings reveal that the GAF score increased from 49.8 to 62 over the course of twelve months, with a noticeable increase observed from 1 month of AOM treatment onward (57 points). YMRS exhibited a substantial decrease from 6.7 to 1.4, K-MADRS decreased from 15.5 to 10, and HAM-A dropped from 15.2 to 9.8. There was a significant reduction in and lithium equivalent dosages and pill count for mood stabilizers. Although other medications, including antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, z- drugs, and anticholinergic medications, also saw a decrease in dosages and pills, the changes were not statistically significant. Among the 23 patients, 6 reported side effects (4 cases of akathisia, 3 of tremors, 3 of weight gain, and 1 of headache), but no severe adverse effects were reported. Discussion & Conclusion This study demonstrates clinical enhancement in functional outcomes and significant improvement in mood symptoms through AOM treatment in bipolar disorder patients. Moreover, the noteworthy decrease in dosage and pill count for mood stabilizers suggests a potential reduction in side effects for patients. This study holds significance as it is the inaugural evaluation of AOM's utility among Korean bipolar disorder patients.