No effect of donepezil on neurocognition and social cognition in young persons with stable schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
Cognitive dysfunction is common in schizophrenia and linked with psychosocial dysfunction. We examined the possible effect of a 16-week trial of donepezil on cognition in young persons with stable schizophrenia.


METHODS
Twenty-six outpatients who met criteria for age, duration of illness, clinical stability, and medications were randomly assigned to 16-week treatment with donepezil or placebo using a double blind design. At beginning and conclusion of the trial, participants completed standardised computerised assessment of neurocognition and social cognition. Symptomatology and functioning were assessed using standard rating scales for negative and positive symptoms, depression and mania, and quality of life.


RESULTS
No treatment effects were found on any cognitive functions or clinical symptoms in placebo or donepezil groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Similar to other studies using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in more heterogeneous and symptomatic groups of patients with schizophrenia, donepezil does not appear to enhance cognitive abilities. Persistent cognitive impairment in schizophrenia with pervasive effects on psychosocial functioning and outcome, urge the search for agents that may offer improvement.
Kohler
Christian G
CG
Schizophrenia Research Center, Neuropsychiatry Section, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. kohler@bbl.med.upenn.edu
Martin
Elizabeth A
EA
Kujawski
Evan
E
Bilker
Warren
W
Gur
Raquel E
RE
Gur
Ruben C
RC
D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects*; D010054:Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D000077265:Donepezil; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007189:Indans / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010880:Piperidines / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012938:Social Perception
D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D007189:Indans; D010880:Piperidines; D000077265:Donepezil