Off label prescribing of antipsychotics – questionnaire study amongst physicians

Background Off label use of antipsychotics has increased in many countries.

Methods A questionnaire study on physicians’ prescribing practices with regard to antipsychotics, especially for off label use, was performed in 2019 in different health care facilities.

Results In total 216 physicians participated in the study, and 94% of them had prescribed antipsychotics for off label use. The most common reasons were insomnia and anxiety and the most common antipsychotic used was quetiapine. Over 88% of participants monitored the patients’ clinical condition, whereas metabolic values were followed more rarely. About 68% of physicians reported more benefit than harm from the use of antipsychotics off label.

Conclusions Antipsychotics are often prescribed for off label use, most commonly for insomnia and anxiety. Most of the physicians see more benefits than harms for the patient in off label use. There is a need to analyse the long-term benefits and harms of off label use of antipsychotics.