Studies focus on schizophrenia treatment

WASHINGTON, March 1 (UPI) -- Two studies from the U.S. Clinical Antipsychotic Trials for Intervention Effectiveness have provided insights into treatment options for schizophrenia.

The $42.6 million, multi-site study included a comparison of newer antipsychotic medications and older ones.

Researchers found quetiapine, and to some extent olanzapine, might be more effective than risperidone among patients who were originally taking, but had to discontinue, perphenazine -- an older, first generation antipsychotic medication. However, patient responses varied considerably.

Of the 257 patients who were initially randomized to perphenazine in the study, 192 discontinued the medication for various reasons, including ineffectiveness and intolerable side effects. Among those who discontinued, 114 agreed to be re-randomized to one of three newer antipsychotic medications -- olanzapine, quetiapine or risperidone.

Researchers found patients taking quetiapine stayed on the longest, averaging about 10 months before discontinuing. Those taking olanzapine discontinued after an average of about seven months, and those taking risperidone discontinued after an average of four months.

Patients with schizophrenia taking antipsychotic medications experienced modest improvements in social, interpersonal and community living (psychosocial) skills, regardless of what antipsychotic medication they were taking.

The federally funded study is detailed in the American Journal of Psychiatry.