Service variation: Anti-psychotic medication

About the Project

Project period: 2018–2029

Antipsychotic medication is a central component of the treatment of psychotic disorders in Norway, with the aim of reducing symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and severe agitation. Despite well-documented positive effects at the group level, there is considerable variation in both efficacy and side effects at the individual level. Some patients experience good symptom relief, while others benefit less or even experience deterioration.

Knowledge about the long-term use of antipsychotics is particularly limited – including who can taper their medication without substantial risk of relapse, and what effects and side effects arise with prolonged use. There is also a lack of research on alternative treatment strategies, such as carrying out treatment without antipsychotics, and how this compares to standard treatment.

By using practice variation as a natural experiment, the project can investigate which practices yield the best outcomes for patients. This is especially valuable given that traditional randomised controlled trials are often unfeasible due to ethical and practical challenges.

The project is funded by the Research Council of Norway – HELSEVEL – Good and Effective Health, Care and Welfare Services – #326407

Approval: REK #2017/2436