Interferon-alpha as adjuvant treatment in chronic schizophrenia.
The therapeutic use of interferon (IFN)-alpha administered as adjuvant medication in chronic schizophrenia was investigated. Natural leukocyte IFN-alpha was given to 9 long-term hospitalized chronic schizophrenic patients daily as subcutaneous injection of 3 million units 5 times a week. The trial followed a placebo-controlled double-blind crossover design. Each treatment period lasted for 8 weeks with a 2-week washout period in between. IFN-alpha did not prove to be beneficial for the total group of patients. Yet, 3 patients improved during the IFN-alpha drug period. The clinical improvement was seen as better social competence and less affective tension in the ward surroundings.
Katila
H
H
Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
Cantell
C
C
Appelberg
B
B
Wahlbeck
K
K
Naukkarinen
H
H
Rimón
R
R
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D010919:Placebos