Lithium addition to neuroleptic treatment in chronic schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.
We studied the effect of lithium addition to neuroleptic treatment in chronic schizophrenia, for which contradictory results have been produced in previous studies. Twenty-one chronic schizophrenic inpatients received lithium in a study with randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design consisting of 8 weeks each of treatment with lithium capsules and identical placebo capsules. The total Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores at week 8 of the lithium treatment were improved significantly compared with those at week 8 of the placebo treatment. Of the BPRS subscales, however, only anxiety-depression improved, whereas none of the subscales for anergia, thought disturbance, activation and hostile-suspiciousness improved. There was no significant difference between the total Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) scores at any time during lithium and placebo treatment. These results suggest that the addition of lithium to neuroleptic treatment improves anxiety-depression in chronic schizophrenia.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008094:Lithium