Are there any differences in the efficacy among second generation antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders?
Abstract
The goal of this review is to summarize the results of head to head efficacy studies that compare second generation antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders. Methods.
A literature search through the Medline database and Google was conducted. Articles published up to September 2005 were included.
Abstracts from conference papers and posters were not included. Results.
Randomized controlled trial data on possible differences in efficacy among atypical antipsychotics are limited. Moreover, the comparison is difficult, as studies differ in outcome measures.
The results indicate that first-line second-generation antipsychotics (amisulpride, aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, ziprasidone and zotepine) show comparable efficacy. Conclusion.
Possible new studies should focus on long-term effects, including cost-effectiveness, quality of life, social functioning and service utilization.