Author:
Boyer P.,Lecrubier Y.,Puech A. J.,Dewailly J.,Aubin F.
Abstract
BackgroundThe efficacy of low doses of certain neuroleptics in improving negative symptoms is still controversial. This study assessed the efficacy of amisulpride, a benzamide which increases dopaminergic transmission at low doses via presynaptic dopamine receptor blockade, on negative symptoms of schizophrenia.MethodThe study was designed as a parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients had to fulfil DSM–III criteria for schizophrenia, Andreasen's criteria for negative schizophrenia, and to have a total score of at least 75 on the SANS; those treated with neuroleptics or antidepressants underwent a six-week placebo wash-out. One hundred and four in-patients were randomly assigned to amisulpride 100 mg/d, amisulpride 300 mg/d, or placebo for six weeks; 85 patients completed the study.ResultsBoth amisulpride doses were significantly more effective than placebo on the primary evaluation criterion (SANS total score, MANOVAP< 0.02). No significant changes were found in positive symptoms or in extrapyramidal symptoms.ConclusionsNegative symptoms can be improved by low doses of amisulpride, favouring the hypothesis of dopaminergic hypofunction as one of the causes of negative symptoms.
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
Cited by
191 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献