Donepezil in schizophrenia--is it helpful? An experimental design case study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical and cognitive effects of adding donepezil, a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, to the risperidone treatment of a high functioning stable out-patient with schizophrenia.


METHODS
Case study using an experimental ABAB design. Assessments were completed objectively by standardized neuropsychological tests and clinical rating scales and subjectively with visual analogue scales.


RESULTS
Strong improvements attributable to donepezil were found for verbal fluency and the patient's subjective response. No adverse changes were noted in psychiatric symptoms or side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Cholinergic enhancement as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia should be explored in larger controlled trials.
MacEwan
G W
GW
Department of Psychiatry, St Vincent's Hospital, 749 W. 33rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5Z 2K4.
Ehmann
T S
TS
Khanbhai
I
I
Wrixon
C
C
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D000077265:Donepezil; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007189:Indans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010880:Piperidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D007189:Indans; D010880:Piperidines; D000077265:Donepezil; D018967:Risperidone