FLUVOXAMINE AUGMENTATION IN CHRONIC-SCHIZOPHRENIA - AN OPEN EXPLORATORY-STUDY

The effect of augmenting standard antipsychotic treatment with the specific serotonergic reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluvoxamine was examined in severely disabled chronic schizophrenic inpatients using an open, naturalistic protocol. Fluvoxamine in doses ranging from 25 to 200 mg was added to the antipsychotic medication which was kept constant. Patients were followed for the duration of treatment (to date up to 7.5 months). Assessment included BPRS SANS SAPS and CGI scales (CGI only in the most severely disturbed), and global impressions of occupational and social functioning. Fourteen (74%) of the 19 patients studied showed improvement using 15 per cent change in SANS score or CGI improvement score > = 1 as criterion. The symptom constellation appeared to influence the rate and timing of response. Ten patients experienced exacerbations, some within 2 months of starting treatment, others after 5-6 months. The findings suggest that SSRI augmentation may be effective in severely disabled schizophrenics.