Psychiatria pre prax 3/2025
Attitudes of Slovak psychiatrists towards the use of paliperidone in the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder – results of the Reconnect 4 survey
The Reconnect 4 survey aimed to map Slovak psychiatrists’ practices and attitudes toward the use of oral extended-release paliperidone in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. In this survey, we analyzed responses from 70 clinicians to a questionnaire capturing ranked prescribing preferences, frequency and phases of use, perceived efficacy, tolerability and adherence versus comparators, reasons for switching, and knowledge and implementation of guidelines. Data were summarized descriptively and key relationships were examined using non-parametric tests appropriate to variable type. Findings indicate a stable role for paliperidone across both indications and consistent preferences across diagnoses. In schizophrenia, clinicians most often rated efficacy versus risperidone as comparable or favorable, with tolerability and adherence perceived to favor paliperidone. In schizoaffective disorder, aggregated comparisons against commonly used alternatives suggested at least comparable efficacy with a favorable safety and adherence profile. Frequency of use did not differ materially by workplace type and was positively correlated between the two diagnoses. Perceived prescribing restriction of the oral formulation was relatively common. Greater awareness of guidelines was associated with more frequent use in schizoaffective disorder. These findings support the rational inclusion of paliperidone and underscore the need to strengthen its position as one of the preferred options for both indications, particularly where long-term adherence, maintenance of remission, and a favorable tolerability profile are priorities.
Keywords: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, paliperidone, antipsychotics, clinical guidelines, survey
