A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial of Donepezil Adjunctive Treatment for Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia

Donepezil Adjunctive Treatment for Cognitive Impairment in Schizophrenia

The objective of the study was to study the effects of donepezil on cognition in patients with schizophrenia. The investigators conducted a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of donepezil as adjunctive treatment to antipsychotic drugs on patients with schizophrenia.

The investigators conducted a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of donepezil as adjunctive treatment to antipsychotic drugs on patients with schizophrenia.The trial will be complete in 2012.

Inclusion Criteria:

• DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia as determined by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders-Clinician Version;
• Between 18 and 40 years of age;
• Duration of the illness must be longer than 2 year;
• Patient's current antipsychotic medication regimen must be stable;
• Must be in a stable living arrangement;

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient has mental retardation or severe organic brain syndromes;
• Treatment with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) within 6 months prior to screening;
• Has suicidal attempts or ideation or violent behavior within the last 12 months;
• Patient has a history of alcohol/drug dependence;