Aripiprazole in the treatment of the psychosis prodrome: an open-label pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Research studies for the treatment of the putative prodromal phase of psychotic disorders have begun to appear.


OBJECTIVE
To obtain preliminary evidence of the short-term efficacy and safety of aripiprazole treatment in people with the psychosis prodrome.


METHODS
Fifteen participants meeting prodrome criteria (mean age 17.1 years, s.d.=5.5) enrolled in an open-label, single-site trial with fixed-flexible dosing of aripiprazole (5-30 mg/day) for 8 weeks.


RESULTS
In the mixed-effects repeated-measures analysis, improvement from baseline on the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms total score was statistically significant by the first week. No participant converted to psychosis and 13 completed treatment. Neuropsychological measures showed no consistent improvement; mean weight gain was 1.2 kg. Akathisia emerged in 8 participants, but the mean Barnes Akathisia Scale score fell to baseline levels by the final visit. Adverse events were otherwise minimal.


CONCLUSIONS
Aripiprazole shows a promising efficacy and safety profile for the psychosis prodrome. Placebo-controlled studies are indicated.
Woods
Scott W
SW
Yale University School of Medicine, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519, USA. scott.woods@yale.edu
Tully
Elizabeth M
EM
Walsh
Barbara C
BC
Hawkins
Keith A
KA
Callahan
Jennifer L
JL
Cohen
Shuki J
SJ
Mathalon
Daniel H
DH
Miller
Tandy J
TJ
McGlashan
Thomas H
TH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010879:Piperazines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D015363:Quinolones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012569:Schizotypal Personality Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D000068180:Aripiprazole