Shift from first generation antipsychotics to olanzapine may improve health-related quality of life of stable but residually symptomatic schizophrenic outpatients: A prospective, randomized study
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 October 2008
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to elucidate, whether shift from first generation antipsychotics (FGA) to olanzapine can affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of residually symptomatic schizophrenic outpatients.
Methods: Patients were randomized to either olanzapine or to continuation on their FGA. The 15D-measured HRQoL at baseline and end-point (after 12 weeks) was compared.
Results: Patients (n = 21) randomized to olanzapine achieved better HRQoL than those (n = 21) who continued on their FGA. This difference on the 15D (0.048 on a 0–1 scale; p = .037) was clinically important and comparable to that resulting from common surgical interventions, for example, hip or knee replacement.
Conclusions: HRQoL of stable outpatients with residual symptoms or adverse effects may improve substantially after shift from FGAs to olanzapine.
- Type
- GENERAL ESSAYS
- Information
- International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care , Volume 24 , Issue 4 , October 2008 , pp. 399 - 402
- Copyright
- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008
References
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