Antidepressant Controlled Trial for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia

The negative symptoms of schizophrenia represent an important dimension of psychopathology, and reflect the absence or diminution of normal behaviours and functions. They include deficiencies in emotional responsiveness, drive, and emotional and social engagement. Persistent negative symptoms are held to account for much of the long-term morbidity and poor functional outcome in patients with established schizophrenia, but if they prove resistant to antipsychotic medication there is a very limited evidence base regarding specific treatments. The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is to establish the clinical and cost effectiveness of an SSRI antidepressant, citalopram, in the management of negative symptoms of schizophrenia over a year. The study sample will be adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, clinically stable for 3 months with a consistent antipsychotic regimen, and characterised by persistent negative symptoms to a criterion level of severity.

Inclusion criteria

• An OPCRIT (Operational Criteria Checklist for Psychosis: 57) diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform, schizoaffective disorder or psychosis NOS as defined by DSM-IV.
• A negative subscale score of 20 or more on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS). At least three of the seven items on the negative symptom subscale should be rated 3 or more.
• Age 18-75 years, inclusive
• Clinically stable for the last 3 months with a consistent antipsychotic regimen.
• Competent and willing to provide written, informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Any medical contraindications to an SSRI antidepressant.
• Currently receiving antidepressant or clinician wants to treat with an antidepressant;
• Taking any medications that risk interacting with citalopram
• Known congenital long QT syndrome, congestive heart failure, bradyarrhythmias
• QT limit above the upper limit of normal as determined by an electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Serum potassium and/or magnesium levels below the lower limits of normal
• Currently fulfil criteria for major depressive disorder; alcohol/substance hazardous use or dependence in past 3 months
• Treated with ECT in the last 8 weeks.
• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Cognitive or language difficulties that would preclude subjects providing informed consent or compromise participation in study procedures.
• Lack of consent, as judged by the patient's psychiatrist