Prediction of the Long-Term Response of Risperidone to Schizophrenia by Acute Phase Response Profile in Clinical Setting

Ahn, Yong Min; Kim, Seon Uk; Jeong, Seong Hoon; Kim, Yeni; Kang, Ung Gu; Kim, Yong Sik

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Risperidone, one of the most widely used atypical antipsychotics, not only ameliorates the positive symptoms of the acute phase but also improves the long-term quality of life as well. To achieve sufficient therapeutic effects, it is important to readjust the treatment regimen in case of insufficient response at an appropriate time point. However, few studies have dealt with this issue in clinical settings. METHODS: We investigated the past treatment history of 51 schizophrenics treated with risperidone for more than 48 weeks by retrospective chart review. The patients were divided into responders and non-responders by predetermined criteria, and CGI-severity scores at 7 selected time points were assessed. The time pattern of therapeutic responses was analyzed, and the appropriate point of time to reliably predict the long-term efficacy was sought. RESULTS: Thirty-one (60.8%) and 20 (39.2%) patients were respectively defined as responders and non-responders by our criteria. There was no difference in the risperidone dosage between responders and non-responders, at any time point evaluated. We observed that significant differences in the pattern of CGI-severity score between the two groups emerged after the 8th week, and that the treatment response profile during this phase might predict long-term outcome. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the 8-week point may be the most appropriate time to assess the clinical response to risperidone and to decide whether to continue with the regimen or change it. However, this was a naturalistic study and the study results require further confirmative research.