Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Development of a Virtual Reality Assessment of Everyday Living Skills
Published on: April 23, 2014
Effect of aripiprazole on cognition in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia
M Riedel1, I Spellmann, R Schennach-Wolff
1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
Background:
The aim of this study was to assess the cognitive effects of aripiprazole in inpatients with schizophrenia.
Methods:
This was an investigator-initiated, open label eight-week trial evaluating 56 inpatients with the DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia. Efficacy was assessed weekly using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and tolerability was assessed each week using the Udvalg for Klinske Undersogelser side effect rating scale (UKU). Cognitive function was assessed at baseline, week 4 and week 8.
Results:
Aripiprazole showed significant improvement in PANSS total score and all subscores between baseline and endpoint visit. The substance was very well tolerated. Patients improved significantly in verbal memory, reaction time and reaction quality/attention from baseline to week eight. Furthermore, mean z-values of individual cognitive domains summarized in a global cognitive index improved significantly from baseline to week eight.
Discussion:
Our results suggest that aripiprazole provides a valuable treatment option for patients with schizophrenia.
Related Concept Videos
Psychosis: Goals of Pharmacotherapy
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment
Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...