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Ritanserin, a Selective 5-HT2/1C Antagonist, and Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia

A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Trial

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

S. J. Duinkerke ,
P. A. Botter ,
A. A. I. Jansen ,
P. A. M. Van Dongen ,
A. J. Van Haaften ,
A. J. Boom ,
J. H. M. Van Laarhoven  and
H. L. S. M. Busard
S. J. Duinkerke
Affiliation:
St Jans Hospital, Weert
P. A. Botter
Affiliation:
Sinaï-centre, Amersfoort
A. A. I. Jansen*
Affiliation:
Janssen Pharmaceutica BV, Tilburg
P. A. M. Van Dongen
Affiliation:
Janssen Pharmaceutica BV, Tilburg
A. J. Van Haaften
Affiliation:
Psychiatric Hospital, Zeeland, Kloetinge (now at St Streek Hospital Walcheren, Vlissingen)
A. J. Boom
Affiliation:
St Streek Hospital Walcheren, Vlissingen
J. H. M. Van Laarhoven
Affiliation:
Maria Hospital, Tilburg
H. L. S. M. Busard
Affiliation:
Hospital De Weezenlanden, Zwolle, The Netherlands
*
∗Department of Clinical Research, Janssen Pharmaceutica BV, PO Box 90240, 5000 LT Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Abstract

The effectiveness of ritanserin, a selective 5-HT2 and 5-HT1c antagonist, in reducing negative symptoms in schizophrenia was investigated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Trial treatment was added to a stable neuroleptic treatment in 33 schizophrenic patients with predominantly negative symptoms. Ritanserin reduced the negative symptoms, as measured with the SANS. The main reduction was for the items facial expression, global affective flattening, and relationships with friends and peers. Also a reduction in total BPRS score was found, which approached statistical significance. Significant reductions were observed for the BPRS items emotional withdrawal and depressive mood. Ritanserin or other drugs blocking 5-HT2 and/or 5-HT1c receptors could be important in reducing specific symptoms in schizophrenic patients.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 163 , Issue 4 , October 1993 , pp. 451 - 455
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1993 

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