[Therapy of mental states at high risk for psychosis: preliminary results from Hungary].
BACKGROUND
Recent evidence raised the possibility that low-dose antipsychotic treatment during the prodromal phase may prevent the development of full-blown psychosis.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effectiveness of low-dose antipsychotic medication in the prevention of psychosis.


METHODS
Fifty-two persons who fulfilled the PACE (Personal Assessment and Crisis Evaluation) criteria of ultra-high risk for psychosis participated in the study. Low-dose antipsychotic treatment (haloperidol or risperidone, 0.5-2 mg/day) was provided for 6 months together with psychoeducation and supportive psychotherapy. Participants were assessed at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Antidepressive therapy was provided as needed.


RESULTS
Forty-two persons completed the study from whom 3 (7.1%) developed schizophrenia during the 6-month treatment period. New psychotic episodes were not observed during the 6-month follow-up period. Side effects were mild and transient, appearing in the first 4 weeks of treatment. The participants were satisfied with the treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Given that without a specific treatment, 30-60% of persons with ultra-high risk develop frank psychosis, low-dose antipsychotic treatment seems to be effective in the prevention or delay of psychosis.
Kéri
Szabolcs
S
Szegedi Tudományegyetem, Szent-Györgyi Albert Orvos- és Gyógyszerésztudományi Központ, Altalános Orvostudományi Kar, Pszichiátriai Klinika, Szeged. szkeri@phys.szote.u-szeged.hu
Kelemen
Oguz
O
Janka
Zoltán
Z
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018967:Risperidone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006220:Haloperidol; D018967:Risperidone