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Intermittent vs maintenance medication in schizophrenia. Two-year results
M I Herz1, W M Glazer, M A Mostert
1Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York, Buffalo.
Archives of General Psychiatry
|April 1, 1991
Summary
Intermittent medication for schizophrenia did not show advantages over maintenance treatment. However, an early intervention strategy effectively reduced relapse and rehospitalization rates in stable outpatients.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Schizophrenia management often involves maintenance medication.
- Intermittent medication strategies are explored as alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of intermittent versus maintenance medication for stable schizophrenic outpatients.
- To evaluate the impact of an early intervention strategy on relapse and rehospitalization.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 101 stable schizophrenic outpatients.
- Patients received either intermittent or maintenance medication.
- Exclusion criteria included frequent prodromal episodes or prolonged episodes.
Main Results:
- Fourteen percent of maintenance patients discontinued compared to 46% of intermittent patients.
- Relapse rates were 16% for maintenance and 30% for intermittent treatment (nonsignificant).
- Intermittent treatment involved significantly less medication with no difference in side effects.
Conclusions:
- No clear advantage was found for intermittent medication compared to maintenance therapy.
- An early intervention strategy significantly reduced relapse and rehospitalization rates.