Antipsychotic to Treat Psychosis Syndrome

Effectiveness of Antipsychotic Drugs to Treat Psychosis Syndrome: an Open Label, Controlled Study

This study assess the safety and effects of atypical antipsychotics in subjects with psychosis syndrome and psychosis risk syndrome.

The investigators investigated whether administration of atypical antipsychotics could alleviate prodromal symptoms and be well tolerated by subjects with psychosis syndrome and psychosis risk syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• were help-seeking young individuals in outpatients service
• aged 16-30 years
• fitted one of the following Criteria: Psychosis-risk Syndromes (COPS-SIPS) or Psychotic Syndrome (POPS-SIPS) or DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophreniform disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

• a previous diagnosis of any psychotic disorder or bipolar disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition;
• symptoms fully accounted for by an Axis 1 disorder or sequelae of drug/alcohol use;
• neurological disorders or organic disorders affecting the central nervous system, substance-related disorders or mental retardation as defined by the DSM-IV criteria;
• history treatment of antipsychotic or antidepression, mood stabilizers or electroconvulsive therapy;
• diagnosed as having a serious and unstable medical condition.