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.

Author(s): Joffe G, Sintonen H, Appelberg B

Affiliation(s): Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Valskarinkatu 12, Helsinki, Finland. grigori.joffe@hus.fi

Publication date & source: 2008-09, Int J Technol Assess Health Care., 24(4):399-402.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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.