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- Lasser, Robert A, et al.
(author)
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Remission in schizophrenia: Applying recent consensus criteria to refine the concept
- 2007
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In: Schizophrenia Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0920-9964 .- 1573-2509. ; 96:1, s. 223-231
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although the concept of remission has been widely accepted and utilized in depression and anxiety disorders, there has been much less emphasis on defining remission in schizophrenia. Recently, an expert consensus definition of remission in schizophrenia was proposed along specific operational criteria for the attainment of remission focusing on the three core dimensions of psychopathology identified within schizophrenia: psychoticism, disorganization and negative symptoms. To date, the criteria have been applied retrospectively to several clinical studies, and these have demonstrated that the proposed definition of remission correlates significantly with established measures of symptom severity, functioning and quality of life, and appears achievable for a significant proportion of patients receiving at least 3 months of pharmacotherapy. In this article we extend the notion of remission to include an examination of the possible association of several modifiable and unmodifiable factors and co-morbidities on remission status. We also propose an investigation into the likelihood of different patient populations in achieving remission as well as assessing the impact of remission on health care costs and family burden. Since cognitive dysfunction and negative symptoms may be strongly correlated with a lower likelihood of achieving remission, we recommend retrospective and/or prospective studies to determine the relationship between neurocognitive status and the predominance of negative symptoms at treatment start and the probability of achieving remission. Taken together, these studies should help identify key predictors of remission, further define the remitted state, reduce therapeutic pessimism, raise treatment expectations and chart a strategy for further research in this important area.
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| 2. |
- Peuskens, Joseph, et al.
(author)
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Prevention of Schizophrenia Relapse with Extended Release Quetiapine Fumarate Dosed Once Daily : A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Clinically Stable Patients
- 2007
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In: Psychiatry. - 1476-1793. ; 4:11, s. 34-50
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Introduction: This long-term, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study examined the efficacy of extended release quetiapine fumarate (quetiapine XR) in preventing psychotic relapse in schizophrenia. Methods: Three hundred twenty seven clinically stable patients with schizophrenia were switched to open-label quetiapine XR (300mg on Day 1, 600mg on Day 2, followed by flexible dosing [400–800mg/day]) for a 16-week stabilization phase. Thereafter, patients who were clinically stable for four months were randomized to flexible doses of quetiapine XR (400–800mg/day) or placebo. Primary endpoint was time to first schizophrenia relapse after randomization. Secondary endpoints included risk of relapse at six months. Interim analyses were planned after 45 and 60 relapses and final analysis after 90 relapses. Maximal treatment time was one year. Results: The study was terminated after the first interim analysis showed a significant difference between randomized treatment groups. Time to relapse was significantly longer in quetiapine XR-treated patients versus placebo (hazard ratio 0.16 [95% confidence interval 0.08, 0.34]; p<0.001). Fewer quetiapine XR-treated patients relapsed versus those receiving placebo (10.7% vs. 41.4%, respectively). Estimated risk of relapse at six months was significantly lower with quetiapine XR (14.3%) compared with placebo (68.2%; p<0.0001). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events (AEs) was similar between quetiapine XR and placebo groups (18% and 21% of patients, respectively) and only one percent of patients in each group withdrew because of AEs. Conclusion: Once-daily quetiapine XR (400–800mg/day) was effective in preventing relapse in patients with clinically stable schizophrenia. Quetiapine XR was well tolerated during longer-term use.
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