Discontinuation versus maintenance therapy with antipsychotic medication in schizophrenia -Tailor: A randomized controlled trial
Poster A109, Monday, October 8, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Essex Ballroom
Anne Emilie Stürup1, Heidi Jensen1, Signe Dolmer2, Nikolai Albert1, Merete Birk2, Carsten Hjorthøj1, Lene Falgaard Eplov1, Bjørn Ebdrup3, Lex Wunderink4, Ole Mors2, Merete Nordentoft1; 1Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Research Unit, 2Aarhus University Hospital Risskov, Psychosis Research Unit, 3Centre for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CNSR & Centre for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CINS, Copenhagen University Hospital, Mental Health Centre, 4University of Groningen | RUG · Department of Psychiatry
Purpose: The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of closely monitored discontinuation versus maintenance therapy with antipsychotic medication in patients with newly diagnosed schizophrenia and schizophreniform psychosis and with minimum three months remission of psychotic symptoms. Materials and methods: 250 patients will be included from the psychiatric early intervention program, OPUS, in two regions in Denmark. Inclusion criteria are: ICD-10 diagnosis F20 (except F20.6), F22 or F25, minimum three months remission of psychotic symptoms and in treatment with antipsychotic medication (except for clozapine). Patients will be randomized to either maintenance therapy or discontinuation with antipsychotic medication in a one-year intervention. The discontinuation group will be provided with a smartphone application to monitor early warning signs of psychotic relapse. All patients will be assessed at baseline, one, two and five years follow-up with regard to positive and negative symptoms (SAPS (Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms) and SANS (Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms)), cognition (BACS (The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia)), social functioning (GSDS (Groningen Social Disabilities Schedule)), recovery, quality of life (WHO-5), client satisfaction (CSQ (Client Satisfaction Questionaire)), side-effects of antipsychotic medication (UKU), sexuality (CSFQ (Changes in Sexual Functioning questionaire)) and substance use and alcohol (time line follow back). Results: The study is currently running therefore no data is yet available. Conclusion: The study will provide knowledge about safety and effects of discontinuation of antipsychotic medication in early phases of schizophrenia and thereby the risks and benefits of discontinuation versus maintenance therapy.
Topic Area: Psychopharmacology