Long-Acting Risperidone in Young Adults with Early Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Illness

Abstract

Treatment with long-acting injectable risperidone was evaluated in young adults likely to be in the early stages of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. An open-label 50-week trial included young adults (men aged 18-25 years and women aged 18-30 years). Sixty-six young adults received at least 1 injection of long-acting risperidone (25 or 50 mg) every two weeks; 64% of the patients completed the 50-week trial. A mode dose of 25 mg/14 days was received by 23 patients and 50 mg/14 days by 43 patients. Mean PANSS scores improved significantly from baseline at each time point, with 64% of the patients showing clinical improvement (>or=20% reduction in PANSS total scores) at endpoint. Patient-rated quality of life (SF-36 scores) improved and patients' attitudes toward the medication were positive (DAI scores). Severity of movement disorders (ESRS) and injection-site pain ratings were low throughout the trial. Results were similar in the population of other (older) patients. Long-acting risperidone was associated with clinical benefits in stable young adults with early schizophrenia or schizoaffective illness.