Research Into Antipsychotic Discontinuation and Reduction Trial
Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Delusional Disorder
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Schizophrenia focused on measuring antipsychotics, schizophrenia, reduction
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged over 18 years
- A clinical and/or ICD10 diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder or other non-affective psychosis
- More than one previous episode of relapse or psychotic exacerbation, or a single episode lasting more than one year
- Taking antipsychotic medication
Exclusion Criteria:
- Participant lacks capacity to consent to the trial
- Participant has insufficient command of spoken English to understand trial procedures
- Participant subject to section 37/41 of the Mental Health Act (MHA) or a Community Treatment Order (CTO) that includes a requirement to take antipsychotic medication.
- Clinician considers there will be a serious risk of harm to self or others
- Participant has been admitted to hospital or had treatment from the Home Treatment or Crisis Team within the last month
- Females who have a confirmed pregnancy
- Females who are breast-feeding
- Involvement in another "investigational medicinal product" (IMP) trial
- No contraindications to continuing on antipsychotic medication
Sites / Locations
- University College London
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Experimental
Antipsychotic Maintenance
Antipsychotic Reduction
Participants continue to receive antipsychotic treatment at the original dose for the 24 month duration of the trial. Increases or minor adjustments to antipsychotic medication are permitted.
Antipsychotic medication is gradually reduced and discontinued if possible. A flexible individualised antipsychotic reduction schedule is devised for each patient by the research team, based on the participant's initial antipsychotic regime. Antipsychotic dose is reduced incrementally every two months, with flexibility to speed up or slow down the schedule in discussion with the patient. The antipsychotic reduction extends over a period of between six to 12 months, although this may be extended according to individual circumstances.