Lithium addition to neuroleptic treatment in chronic schizophrenia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study.

Examined the effect of lithium addition to neuroleptic treatment of 21 male chronic schizophrenia patients (28–70 yrs old), using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design. Assessments were made at baseline (wk 0), 1st 8-wk treatment phase (lithium/placebo), 3-wk washout period (no treatment), and 2nd 8-wk treatment phase. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms were used to obtain weekly ratings. Results show that addition of lithium to neuroleptics in chronic schizophrenia treatment improved anxiety-depression but did not effect Ss' anergia, thought disturbance, activation or hostile-suspiciousness. Negative symptoms were not affected at any time during the study. It is suggested that lithium treatment duration, and not serum lithium level, may be important in the effect in chronic schizophrenics. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)