In recent years, special attention has been paid to the quality of life in dual psychotic patients.

To study quality of life in psychotic patients with co-occurring substance use recently treated with long-acting injectable paliperidone palmitate (PPLAI) in monotherapy.

An open-label, non-interventional, observational study was carried out in 42 dual psychotic outpatients who were recently treated with PPLAI in monotherapy. At baseline, main demographic and clinical variables were recorded. The Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36) was assessed at the time of the study inclusion, and after 3 and 6 months. Thirty-five patients completed the study.

81% were men, and mean age was 39 years. 31% had an alcohol dependence disorder, 26% opiates, 24% cocaine, 14% cannabis, and 100% nicotine dependence. 95% had co-dependence substance use disorders. 38% per cent were diagnosed as having an unspecified psychosis, 36% schizophrenia, 57% Axis II and 55% III disorders. 29% were previously treated with oral antipsychotics, and 71% received long-acting injectable risperidone (RLAI). 83% were treated with other non-psychopharmacological drugs. After 6 months of treatment, higher scores were found in the following SF-36 items: Vitality (31 vs.77), social functioning (48 vs.85), mental health (49 vs 78), health subjective perception (45 vs.70), and health improvement (65 vs.87). Transaminase levels did not change after treatment. Mean PPLAI dosage at baseline: 111.18 mg; mean dosage at 6 months: 132.86.

High psychopathological and organic comorbidity was found. Quality of life improved after 6 months of treatment. PPLAI 100 mg was the most common prescribed dosage.