The European First Episode Schizophrenia Trial (EUFEST): rationale and design of the trial.
BACKGROUND
Most studies comparing second generation antipsychotics with classical neuroleptics have been conducted in more or less chronic schizophrenia patients. Such studies were usually conducted in highly selected samples, and were generally designed and financed by the manufacturer of the drug tested. These and other facts have stimulated discussions regarding the effectiveness of the new generation of antipsychotics.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the European First Episode Schizophrenia Trial (EUFEST) is to compare treatment with amisulpride, quetiapine, olanzapine and ziprasidone to a low dose of haloperidol in an unselected sample of first episode schizophrenia patients with minimal prior exposure to antipsychotics.


METHODS
500 patients between the ages of 18-40 meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or schizophreniform disorder are randomly allocated to one year of treatment with one of the drugs under study. The primary outcome measure is retention in treatment, defined as time to discontinuation of study drug. Loss of retention can be the result of insufficient clinical effect, or lack of tolerability or acceptance. Secondary measures include changes in different dimensions of psychopathology, side effects, compliance, social needs, quality of life, substance abuse and cognitive functions.


CONCLUSIONS
At present, more than 400 patients have been recruited and randomized in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Rumania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland: The study should be finished by the end of 2006 and it is expected that results will yield relevant clinical information with regard to the effectiveness of the second generation antipsychotics. This effort represents the first independently designed trans-European schizophrenia treatment trial.
Fleischhacker
W Wolfgang
WW
Department of Biological Psychiatry, Medical University Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria. wolfgang.fleischhacker@uibk.ac.at
Keet
Ireneus P M
IP
Kahn
René S
RS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D005060:Europe; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015995:Prevalence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents