Enhancement of cognitive performance in schizophrenia by addition of tandospirone to neuroleptic treatment.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of tandospirone, a serotonin-1A (5-HT(1A)) agonist, to ongoing treatment with typical antipsychotic drugs, on two cognitive domains that are relevant to functional outcome in patients with schizophrenia.


METHODS
Twenty-six patients with schizophrenia who were receiving stable doses of typical antipsychotics were randomly assigned to adjunctive treatment with 30 mg/day of tandospirone or placebo for 6 weeks. Executive function and verbal memory as well as psychopathology were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks.


RESULTS
Both cognitive measures improved significantly in the patients who received tandospirone; subjects who did not receive tandospirone showed no change. There was no significant change in psychopathology ratings in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest the usefulness of 5-HT(1A) agonists for enhancing some types of cognitive performance and possibly social and work function in patients with schizophrenia.
Sumiyoshi
T
T
Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University School of Medicine, Japan. tomiki.sumiyoshi@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
Matsui
M
M
Nohara
S
S
Yamashita
I
I
Kurachi
M
M
Sumiyoshi
C
C
Jayathilake
K
K
Meltzer
H Y
HY
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D054833:Isoindoles; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D054833:Isoindoles; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; C055267:tandospirone