Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: Twenty-two treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week, crossover treatment trial with 0.8 g/kg per day of glycine added to their ongoing antipsychotic medication. Clinical assessments, including the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Simpson-Angus Scale for Extrapyramidal Symptoms, and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale, were performed biweekly throughout the study. Clinical laboratory values and amino acid serum levels were monitored. RESULTS:
Glycine treatment was well tolerated and induced increased glycine (P=.001) and serine (P=.001) serum levels. Glycine administration resulted in (1) a significant (P<.001) 30%+/-16% reduction in negative symptoms, as measured by the PANSS, and (2) a significant (P<.001) 30%+/-18% improvement in the BPRS total scores. The improvement in negative symptoms was unrelated to alterations in extrapyramidal effects or symptoms of depression. Low pretreatment glycine serum levels significantly predicted (r= 0.80) clinical response. CONCLUSION: These findings support hypoglutamatergic hypotheses of schizophrenia and suggest a novel approach for the pharmacotherapy of negative symptoms associated with this illness.
|
Authors | U Heresco-Levy, D C Javitt, M Ermilov, C Mordel, G Silipo, M Lichtenstein |
Journal | Archives of general psychiatry
(Arch Gen Psychiatry)
Vol. 56
Issue 1
Pg. 29-36
(Jan 1999)
ISSN: 0003-990X [Print] United States |
PMID | 9892253
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
|
Chemical References |
- Amino Acids
- Antipsychotic Agents
- Placebos
- Glycine
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Amino Acids
(blood)
- Antipsychotic Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Cross-Over Studies
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Double-Blind Method
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Glycine
(administration & dosage, blood, therapeutic use)
- Hospitalization
- Humans
- Male
- Placebos
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Schizophrenia
(blood, diagnosis, drug therapy)
- Schizophrenic Psychology
- Treatment Outcome
|