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Pharmacopsychiatry 2010; 43(4): 122-129
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1249097
Review

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Combination Therapy in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

C. Wolff-Menzler1 , A. Hasan1 , B. Malchow1 , P. Falkai1 , T. Wobrock1
  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Georg-August-University, Goettingen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received 03.09.2009 revised 25.01.2010

accepted 29.01.2010

Publication Date:
22 March 2010 (online)

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Abstract

Background: Although the international guidelines for the treatment of schizophrenia recommend antipsychotic monotherapy as the treatment of choice, many schizophrenia patients receive two or more antipsychotics in clinical practice, while co-treatment with antidepressants, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines is also common.

Aim: The aim of the present review is to summarize the results of the randomized controlled trials of combination therapy versus monotherapy in schizophrenia and to discuss possible implications of these results.

Discussion: Altogether, recommendations  are based upon theoretical assumptions rather than upon evidence-based knowledge regarding the combination of different antipsychotics or antipsychotics with other psychotropic agents in schizophrenia treatment, since the available studies reveal conflicting results. The augmentation with antidepressants for the treatment of persisting negative symptoms and with mood stabilizers in patients with additional affective symptoms seems to be a successful strategy.

Conclusions: Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to provide substantial evidence and to suggest combination strategies for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

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Correspondence

Dr. med. C. Wolff-Menzler

Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

University of Goettingen

von-Siebold-Straße 5

37075 Goettingen

Germany

Phone: +49/551/39 6947

Fax: +49/551/39 14935

Email: cwolff@gwdg.de