Adjunctive carbamazepine or lithium carbonate in therapy-resistant chronic schizophrenia.

Investigated the efficacy of adjunctive carbamazepine (CBZ) or lithium carbonate in chronic schizophrenia in an 8-wk, double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 38 patients (mean age 34.9 yrs) with chronic schizophrenia who fulfilled the criteria for neuroleptic nonresponse. Ss received depot and/or oral neuroleptics. CBZ and Li were increased within 2 wks until therapeutic plasma levels were reached. Afterward, dosage was adjusted according to 12-hr serum levels. Between Weeks 6 and 8, all groups received placebo. Therapeutic effects were compared based on results of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and clinical global impression. Results show that CBZ and Li have clinically and statistically significant positive effects on neuroleptic-nonresponding chronic schizophrenic patients. Results are in accordance with those of C. Simhandl et al (see record [rid]1992-36287-001[/rid]). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)