UPDATE ON SCHIZOPHRENIA – A pooled analysis of six randomized trials of olanzapine and comparator atypical antipsychotic agents (n=1990) reports that five distinct patterns of response can be identified in patients with schizophrenia starting treatment (Stauffer et al. Schizophr Res 2011; epublished April 12, 2011). Response patterns were measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
Psychiatry
Delay in hospitalization with clozapine
May 25, 2011UPDATE ON SCHIZOPHRENIA – A U.K. study reports that time to hospitalization was significantly delayed in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder discharged on clozapine rather than on another antipsychotic medication (Nyakyoma & Morriss. Psychopharmacol Bull 2010; 43: 67-81).
Need to re-examine treatment-resistant schizophrenia, clozapine use
March 30, 2011The positioning of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine as a third-line treatment warrants re-examination since this has led to its underutilization in patients with treatment-refractory schizophrenia, according to a new Canadian review (Agid et al. Can J Psychiatry 2010; 55: 677-684).
Mirtazapine, paroxetine associated with greater risk of weight gain
March 9, 2011The first meta-analysis of the effect of antidepressants on body weight has found that mirtazapine, paroxetine and amitriptyline are associated with a greater risk of weight gain (Serretti & Mandelli. J Clin Psychiatry 2010; 71: 1259-1272). Fluoxetine and bupropion were associated with some weight loss.
Recovery factors after psychosis identified
February 9, 2011A Norwegian study interviewed a cohort of 255 patients with first-episode psychosis to identify factors associated with better outcomes at five-year follow-up (Albert et al. Schizophr Res 2011; 125: 257-266).