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The following is a summary of “Long-term effectiveness of aripiprazole once monthly on functioning and quality of life in schizophrenia: results of year 2 of the ReLiAM study,” published in the November 2024 issue of Psychiatry by Roy et al. 

Aripiprazole once-monthly (AOM) is effective in treating schizophrenia, but its long-term impact is unclear. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study on AOM’s impact in the second year of the ReLiAM study, focusing on functioning and quality of life. 

They assessed participants who were evaluated at ≥1 time point during the second year of the ReLiAM study (months 15, 18, 21, and 24) using the GAF scale. Secondary outcomes were measured with the SOFAS, CGI-S, and QLS. 

The results showed that 109 (86%) completed at least 1 post-12-month visit, with 33 (30.3%) completing the final assessment at month 24. Improvements in GAF, CGI-S, and SOFAS scores from year 1 were maintained through year 2, with similar trends observed in post-hoc analyses. About 74% (74.3%) of year 1 completers experienced mild treatment-emergent adverse events, primarily weight gain, akathisia, and insomnia, while 17% (17.4%) experienced serious adverse events (SAEs). Effectiveness and tolerability were consistent across both year 1 and year 2 completers. 

They found that the effectiveness and tolerability of AOM were maintained and improved in the second year. These results support its long-term benefits in treating schizophrenia. 

Source: bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-024-06240-x