Prodrome-Based Early Intervention With Antipsychotics vs. Benzodiazepines in First-Episode Schizophrenia

Prodrome-Based Early Intervention With Antipsychotics vs. Benzodiazepine in Patients With First-Episode Schizophrenia After One Year Maintenance Treatment Under Further Maintenance Treatment vs. Stepwise Discontinued Drugs

Prodrome based early intervention with an antipsychotic drug vs. benzodiazepine was applied in patients with first episode schizophrenia after one year neuroleptic maintenance treatment. Two groups of patients were followed over a period of 1 year: one further on under maintenance neuroleptic treatment, the other one after stepwise drug discontinuation.

In case of early signs of a relapse prodrome based early intervention with an antipsychotic drug (Haloperidol, Risperidone and other) vs. benzodiazepine (Lorazepam) was applied in patients with first episode schizophrenia after one year neuroleptic maintenance treatment. Two groups of patients were followed over a period of 1 year: one further on under maintenance neuroleptic treatment (Haloperidol, Risperidone and other) , the other one after stepwise drug discontinuation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• First-episode in schizophrenia (according ICD-10 F20)
• Age between 18 and 55
• Informed consent
• One year neuroleptic maintenance treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Residence outside of the catchment area
• Legal reasons
• Insufficient knowledge of the german language
• Substance abuse or addiction
• Pregnancy
• Serious physical illness
• Organic brain disease
• Contraindication to neuroleptic treatment