Are there any differences in the efficacy among second generation antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders?
BACKGROUND
The goal of this review is to summarize the results of head to head efficacy studies that compare second generation antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders.


METHODS
A literature search through the Medline database and Google was conducted. Articles published up to September 2005 were included. Abstracts from conference papers and posters were not included.


RESULTS
Randomized controlled trial data on possible differences in efficacy among atypical antipsychotics are limited. Moreover, the comparison is difficult, as studies differ in outcome measures. The results indicate that first-line second-generation antipsychotics (amisulpride, aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, ziprasidone and zotepine) show comparable efficacy.


CONCLUSIONS
Possible new studies should focus on long-term effects, including cost-effectiveness, quality of life, social functioning and service utilization.
Motlová
Lucie
L
Prague Psychiatric Centre, Centre of Neuropsychiatric Studies and Charles University, 3rd Medical Faculty, Prague, Czech Republic. motlova@pcp.lf3.cuni.cz
Spaniel
Filip
F
Höschl
Cyril
C
Balon
Richard
R
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents