Quality of life (QoL) in patients on Abilify Maintena in the private setting.

Comparison between 2 groups. First group will be randomised to receive intramuscular Aripiprazole (long-acting injectable) 400mg every 4 weeks. Subjects who experience adverse effect to this dose will receive a lower dose of 300mg 4-weekly. The second (comparator) group will receive any other intramuscular long-acting injectable antipsychotics, including (but not limited to) Risperidone, Olanzapine, Paliperidone, Fluphenazine, Zuclopenthixol Flupenthixol. All subjects enrolled in either group will go through a 3 month stabilisation period, to ensure they are able to tolerate the medications without adverse effects, and they remain stable (no relapse requiring hospitalisation). During this period subjects receive their usual dose of respective long-acting injectable antipsychotic at the appropriate intervals. Randomisation will occur PRIOR to the 3-month stabilisation period. Allocated intervention will become the participants' usual antipsychotic throughout the trial, which is for 6 months post-stabilisation period. Following the completion of trial, patients on both groups will continue on the respective medications they are receiving. Any adjustments to medications made following the trial period will be solely at the discretion of the treating clinician, on clinical grounds. Intervention adherence is assessed through monthly monitoring (i.e. attendance to the depot clinic). Failure of attendance will be followed up by the clinical team (comprising of nurse and psychiatrist) to preserve treatment adherence. Failure to adhere to the regular regimen of the respective medication they are receiving will result in dropout.