Evaluating the Utilization of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics in Utah

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are an underutilized category of medications used; to treat Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. LAIs are given every 2-24 weeks via IM injection; depending on which medication is given (Johnson, 2018). Many patients with Bipolar and; Schizophrenia are treated with oral antipsychotics, which can have low adherence rates; (Leislehto et al. 2022). When patients who have tried both LAIs and oral antipsychotics were; surveyed about their experience, there was a clear preference for LAIs (Blackwood, 2020).; Mental illness brings with it a host of challenges that make daily life difficult and further; complicate their ability to take a daily medication. When these patients go unmedicated, it can; quickly lead to psychosis.