Risperidone Alone Vs. Risperidone Plus Valproate in the Treatment of Patients With Schizophrenia and Hostility
Schizophrenia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Schizophrenia focused on measuring Hostility, Impulsivity, Aggression
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1) Male or female, age 18 to 65 inclusive, diagnosed with schizophrenia (not including schizoaffective disorder) according to DSM-IV criteria using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders; 2) Referral from the treating psychiatrist/treatment team because of difficulties with poor impulse control; 3) At study entry the subject must have scored at least "3" ("mild" or above) on at least one of the following Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale items that comprise the activation factor: Hostility, Impulsivity, Excitement, or Uncooperativeness; 4) Capacity and willingness to give informed consent; 5) Adequate knowledge of English; 6) Absence of serious medical illness; and 7) Accessible, adequate veins likely to permit repeated venipunctures without major problems. Exclusion Criteria: 1) Receiving both adequate amounts of valproate and risperidone at the time the inclusion criteria have been met. This was defined as a dose of valproate that was equal to or exceeding 1000 mg/day (or a plasma level equal to or greater than 50 micrograms/mL) for at least 2 weeks, and any dose of risperidone; 2) History of severe adverse reaction to either risperidone or valproate; 3) Administration of a slow-release antipsychotic (depot) within 30 days preceding randomization; and 4) Pregnancy.
Sites / Locations
- Nathan S Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and Rockland Psychiatric Center, Clinical Research and Evaluation Facility