A Randomised Controlled Trial of Coenzyme Q10 in Patients With Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

A Randomised Controlled Trial of Coenzyme Q10 in Patients With Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

Coenzyme Q10 in the Amelioration of Cognitive Deficits and Symptoms in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder

The study is a randomised placebo controlled trial of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) vitamin supplementation in a sample of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. CoQ10 is produced in the mitochondria of our cells, and is involved in the production of energy. However, some people do not produce enough CoQ10, which can result in difficulties with concentration and memory, depressive symptoms, low energy levels and high blood pressure. The study will examine the impact of taking oral CoQ10 supplementation on patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial electron-transport-chain in addition to being a potent lipophilic antioxidant. Deficits in CoQ10 status have been linked to cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, fatigue, and depression. CoQ10 supplementation may have a potential therapeutic value for patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial that will compare neurocognitive performance and symptoms of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder in participants randomised to active CoQ10 compared to scores from participants who received placebo. CoQ10 will be administered at a dose of 300mg/day, delivered in 3 doses of 100mg each. Participants will take CoQ10/placebo for 6 months. At three time points (baseline, 3 months and 6 months) each participant completes a neurocognitive and psychological battery of assessments. Blood pressure is monitored, and blood samples to assess mitochondrial function and plasma CoQ10 status are taken at each assessment.

Change from baseline attention as measured by Continuous Performance Test, identical pairs version (CPT-IP)

Change from baseline working memory performance as measured by Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) spatial working memory task.

Change from baseline working memory performance as measured by Letter Number Sequencing of Wechsler Memory Scale-III.

Change from baseline energy levels as measured by Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - fatigue scale. Higher scores on this scale (total score range: 0-52) indicate better outcome.

Change from baseline negative symptoms of avolition, asociality, blunted affect and alogia levels as measured by Brief Negative Symptoms subscales

Inclusion Criteria: Clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder Exclusion Criteria: Current substance abuse History of epilepsy/seizures Head injury with loss of consciousness (>3 minutes) Taking warfarin or blood thinning medication Uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction

Maguire A, Mooney C, Flynn G, Ferguson Y, O'Keane V, O'Rourke D, McMonagle T, Heaton R, Phillips S, Hargreaves I, Gill M, Hargreaves A. No Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Cognitive Function, Psychological Symptoms, and Health-related Outcomes in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2021 Jan/Feb 01;41(1):53-57. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000001330.