PREvent First Episode Relapse (PREFER)
Schizophrenia
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Schizophrenia focused on measuring schizophrenia, first-episode, patient compliance, long-acting risperidone, relapse
Eligibility Criteria
There is a 2 step inclusion/exclusion criteria, the first being for assessing overall eligibility to be enter, and then, for continued outpatient treatment for schizophrenia when clinically appropriate. Inclusion criteria for the first phase: Between 16-50 years of age Psychotic symptoms must have persisted at least one month prior to starting the current antipsychotic Continue to show some positive (psychotic) symptoms of schizophrenia A provisional clinical diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder,schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder Confirm that there was no previous history of significant pharmacological treatment with an antipsychotic medication Able to fully participate in the informed consent process Exclusion criteria for Study Phase I Unable to understand informed consent process A history of nonresponse to, or severe adverse events from, any prior exposure to oral risperidone Will not be living close enough to the medical center to return for follow-up visits or assessments Currently receiving medication over objection by court order Inclusion criteria for Study Phase II Key criteria for entry into Study Phase II are: Has clinically responded to the oral antipsychotic regimen Willingness to transition to receive evaluation and future pharmacologic treatment at the Schizophrenia Research Service Has retained capacity to understand the risks and benefits of the maintenance treatment with antipsychotics Willingness to sign informed consent to go into Study Phase II Exclusion criteria for Study Phase II Has not responded to the current oral antipsychotic regimen, or has had significant side effects to oral risperidone Explicit refusal to even consider the possibility of receiving maintenance antipsychotic by long-acting injection
Sites / Locations
- Kings County Hospital Center
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center