The European First Episode Schizophrenia Trial (EUFEST): rationale and design of the trial.

摘要: Abstract Background Most studies comparing second generation antipsychotics with classical neuroleptics have been conducted in more or less chronic schizophrenia patients. Such were usually highly selected samples, and generally designed financed by the manufacturer of drug tested. These other facts stimulated discussions regarding effectiveness new antipsychotics. Aims The aim European First Episode Schizophrenia Trial (EUFEST) is to compare treatment amisulpride, quetiapine, olanzapine ziprasidone a low dose haloperidol an unselected sample first episode patients minimal prior exposure Methods 500 between ages 18–40 meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder schizophreniform are randomly allocated one year drugs under study. primary outcome measure retention treatment, defined as time discontinuation study drug. Loss can be result insufficient clinical effect, lack tolerability acceptance. Secondary measures include changes different dimensions psychopathology, side effects, compliance, social needs, quality life, substance abuse cognitive functions. Conclusions At present, than 400 recruited randomized following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Rumania, Spain, Sweden Switzerland: should finished end 2006 it expected that results will yield relevant information regard This effort represents independently trans-European trial.