Objectives: This study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes related to theintroduction of Paliperidone Palmitate in a specialty hospital in the Philippines. Methodology: Cross-sectional study among patients with Schizophrenia seen at thepsychiatry service of a specialty hospital catering to war veterans who were initiated onPaliperidone Palmitate. We reviewed and abstracted baseline patient data from themedical record of eligible patients. Outcome of treatment was collected through a one-time objective assessment of the patient by a third-party psychiatrist using theStructured Clinical Interview for Symptoms of Remission (SCI-SR) tool. Results: A total of 30 patients were recruited for the study from August 2020 and June2021, the majority of whom were males (80%), residents of the National Capital Region(50%) and single (20%). The median duration from schizophrenia diagnosis to initiation of Paliperidone treatment was 19.50 years (IQR: 16.60 – 33.50). In eight patients (22.67%),other antipsychotic drugs were discontinued following initiation of Paliperidonetreatment; in the remaining 22 participants (73.33%), Paliperidone was taken concurrentlywith other antipsychotic drugs. The median duration from the initiation of Paliperidonetreatment to follow-up assessment was 27.20 months (IQR: 24.73 – 30.50), with allparticipants having at least 6 months of treatment. At follow-up assessment, allparticipants were classified to be in remission. Conclusion In this study among patients with schizophrenia seen in a specialtyhospital in the Philippines, we found evidence that clinical outcomes with PaliperidonePalmitate were comparable to those given a combination of oral and long- actingantipsychotics.
Paliperidone Palmitate ; Schizophrenia

The COVID-19 pandemic has had pervasive effects on society at large, specifically disrupting routine and established processes at the household, organizational, and community levels. The Philippine Psychiatric Association organized the Fourth Southeast Asia Mental Health Forum to discuss issues and share experiences on how this community can respond to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Three common challenges for the mental health community were identified – (a) ensuring the continuity of services for persons with psychiatric disorders in different settings; (b) preventing spread of COVID-19 infection in in-patient or residential mental health facilities; and (c) addressing the emergent demand for mental health services from health workers and the general population experiencing psychological symptoms because of the pandemic situation. In the face of these challenges, two broad groups of good practices and innovations were conceptualized and implemented by professionals and institutions: (a) development of alternative arrangements for the delivery of mental health services; and (b) mobilization of stakeholders and resources to ensure whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches. The lessons and ideas that emerged from the forum may find applicability not only in the next few months during which COVID-19 may persist in our midst (i.e., the “new normal”), but also in other future events that may cause the same level of societal impact and disruption.
Mental Health ; COVID-19 ; Asia, Southeastern ; Mental Health Services ; Philippines