The results of a multi-centre audit of the prescribing of antipsychotic drugs for in-patients in the UK{

RESULTS Of the 3132 patients, 20% were prescribed a total dose of antipsychotic medication above that recommended by the British National Formulary. The majority of case notes failed to record an indication for high-dose prescribing or that the patient had been informed; only 8% had undergone an electrocardiogram. Forty-eight per cent of patients were prescribed more than one antipsychotic drug. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Antipsychotic prescribing for in-patients often runs counter to existing guideline recommendations. It is likely that many patients who are prescribed high doses or polypharmacy are unaware that their prescription is out of line with guideline recommendations and is inadequately monitored.