Risperidone in the Treatment of Psychotic-like and Deficit Symptoms of Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2001-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of risperidone compared to placebo in
the treatment of the psychotic-like and deficit symptoms of schizotypal personality disorder
(SPD). Treatment with risperidone, a 5HT2 and dopamine D2 blocking agent, holds particular
promise in the treatment of SPD. Unlike traditional antipsychotics, risperidone targets the
deficit or negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The deficit-like symptoms of SPD are therefore
also likely respond to treatment with risperidone. One common complication in the present
psychopharmacologic treatment of SPD with traditional neuroleptics is the fact that many
patients discontinue treatment due to the medication-induced dysphoria. Given initial reports
and the serotonergic component of the risperidone mechanism, risperidone is anticipated to
produce little or no dysphoria.