Prodrome-Based Early Intervention With Antipsychotics vs. Benzodiazepines in First-Episode Schizophrenia

Prodrome-Based Early Intervention With Antipsychotics vs. Benzodiazepines in First-Episode Schizophrenia

Prodrome-Based Early Intervention With Antipsychotics vs. Benzodiazepine in Patients With First-Episode Schizophrenia After One Year Maintenance Treatment Under Further Maintenance Treatment vs. Stepwise Discontinued Drugs

German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, German Research Network On Schizophrenia, Janssen-Cilag Ltd., University of Bonn, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Ludwig-Maximilians - University of Munich, University of Göttingen, University of Cologne, Mainz University, University Hospital Tuebingen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, University of Mannheim, University of Jena, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, RWTH Aachen University, University of Wuerzburg

Prodrome based early intervention with an antipsychotic drug vs. benzodiazepine was applied in patients with first episode schizophrenia after one year neuroleptic maintenance treatment. Two groups of patients were followed over a period of 1 year: one further on under maintenance neuroleptic treatment, the other one after stepwise drug discontinuation.

In case of early signs of a relapse prodrome based early intervention with an antipsychotic drug (Haloperidol, Risperidone and other) vs. benzodiazepine (Lorazepam) was applied in patients with first episode schizophrenia after one year neuroleptic maintenance treatment. Two groups of patients were followed over a period of 1 year: one further on under maintenance neuroleptic treatment (Haloperidol, Risperidone and other) , the other one after stepwise drug discontinuation.

Schizophrenia, first episode, prodrome based early intervention, antipsychotics - benzodiazepine, maintenance treatment, drug discontinuation

Early intervention with low-dose antipsychotics vs. lorazepam (up to 3 mg/day) in case of early warning signs of an impending relapse;

Inclusion Criteria: First-episode in schizophrenia (according ICD-10 F20) Age between 18 and 55 Informed consent One year neuroleptic maintenance treatment Exclusion Criteria: Residence outside of the catchment area Legal reasons Insufficient knowledge of the german language Substance abuse or addiction Pregnancy Serious physical illness Organic brain disease Contraindication to neuroleptic treatment

Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Düsseldorf, Rhineland State Clinics Düsseldorf, Bergische Landstraße 2, 40629 Düsseldorf

German Research Network on Schizophrenia, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf

Gaebel W, Moller HJ, Buchkremer G, Ohmann C, Riesbeck M, Wolwer W, Von Wilmsdorff M, Bottlender R, Klingberg S. Pharmacological long-term treatment strategies in first episode schizophrenia--study design and preliminary results of an ongoing RCT within the German Research Network on Schizophrenia. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2004 Apr;254(2):129-40. doi: 10.1007/s00406-004-0509-y.

Click here for more information about this study: Pharmacological long-term treatment strategies for relapse prevention in first episode schizophrenia