Atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia: systematic overview and meta-regression analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To develop an evidence base for recommendations on the use of atypical antipsychotics for patients with schizophrenia.

Design

Systematic overview and meta-regression analyses of randomised controlled trials, as a basis for formal development of guidelines.

Subjects

12 649 patients in 52 randomised trials comparing atypical antipsychotics (amisulpride, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and sertindole) with conventional antipsychotics (usually haloperidol or chlorpromazine) or alternative atypical antipsychotics.

Main outcome measures

Overall symptom scores. Rate of drop out (as a proxy for tolerability) and of side effects, notably extrapyramidal side effects.

Results

For both symptom reduction and drop out, there was substantial h

SUBMITTER: Geddes J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC27538 | biostudies-literature | 2000 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature