Efficacy and Safety Study of Escitalopram Augmentation in Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia

Inclusion Criteria: Meet DSM IV criteria for schizophrenia adn schizoaffective disorder and clinically stable on fixed dose of risperidone or olanzapine for at least 6 weeks. Incomplete response to risperidone or olanzapine for at least 6 weeks per subjective report and minimum score on rating instruments (PANSS total >50 at baseline). Current positive and negative symptoms sufficiently severe to require adjuvant treatment despite good compliance and adequate doses of antipsychotic before trial (risperidone 4 to 6mg/day, olanzapine15 to 20mg/day for 4-6 weeks of treatment). Males and females between 18-55 years of age. No restrictions to recruitment based on race. Able to participate fully in the informed consent process or have legal guardian able to participate in the informed consent process. All prospective research subjects will be screened for decisional capacity using the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool-Research (MacCAT-CR) Educational level of at least 10th grade. Score on at least on PANSS psychosis items (P1,P2,P3,P5,or P6)>4 adn CGI Severity score >4 at point of maximum severity of illness to date or total PANSS score at baseline assessed as moderate (PANSS total >50). Exclusion Criteria: Meets full DSM-IV criteria for current Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorder or any other active disorder on Axis I. Present but not past history of substance abuse is exclusion criterion. Extrapyramidal symptoms as defined by score of 4 or more on Simpson-Angus rating scale. Non-English speaking. Serious unstable medical illness or any acute medical condition. Known allergy to any study medication. Serious suicidal or homicidal risks. Participation in clinical trial of an investigational drug within 30 days of visit 1. Evidence at screening of any medical conditions including but not limited to: infection, electrolyte abnormality, recent physical trauma, malignancy, autoimmune disorders, endocrine diseases and neurological diseases, history of CNS trauma or active seizure disorder requiring medication and known history of mental retardation. Any other condition, which in the opinion of the investigator would make the patient unsuitable for enrollment, or could interfere with participating in or completing the protocol.