Comparative effectiveness of second-generation antipsychotics and haloperidol in acute schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
There is little information on the comparative effectiveness of second-generation antipsychotic agents.


OBJECTIVE
To determine if any of five second-generation antipsychotics or haloperidol is more effective in treating acutely ill patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or schizophreniform disorder.


METHODS
A sample of 327 newly admitted patients were randomised to open-label treatment with aripiprazole, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone or ziprasidone for a minimum of 3 weeks. Measures of effectiveness were improvement in mental status so that the patient no longer required acute in-patient care, and changes in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) scores.


RESULTS
By the first measure, haloperidol (89%), olanzapine (92%) and risperidone (88%) were significantly more effective than aripiprazole (64%), quetiapine (64%) and ziprasidone (64%). Changes in BPRS ratings were not significant among treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
Haloperidol, olanzapine and risperidone are superior to aripiprazole, quetiapine and ziprasidone for the acute treatment of psychosis in hospitalised patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or schizophreniform disorder.
McCue
Robert E
RE
Department of Psychiatry, Wooodhull Medical and Mental Health Center, 760 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York 11206, USA. mccuer@nychhc.org
Waheed
Rubina
R
Urcuyo
Leonel
L
Orendain
Geraldine
G
Joseph
Michel D
MD
Charles
Richard
R
Hasan
Syed M
SM
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D006220:Haloperidol