Predictors of relapse after discontinuing antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Abstract We studied 61 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who discontinued medication after achieving symptomatic remission. Over 3 years, relapse rates were significantly higher in those not meeting full recovery (p = 0.006) or remission (p < 0.001) criteria, with rates up to twice a...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Schizophrenia |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41537-025-00592-3 |
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| Summary: | Abstract We studied 61 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who discontinued medication after achieving symptomatic remission. Over 3 years, relapse rates were significantly higher in those not meeting full recovery (p = 0.006) or remission (p < 0.001) criteria, with rates up to twice as high. Significant differences between relapsed and maintained groups included age at onset (p = 0.004), age at discontinuation (p = 0.009), and proportions meeting full recovery (p = 0.001) or remission (p = 0.003). Univariate Cox regression identified older age of onset (p = 0.038), lack of full recovery (p = 0.008) or remission (p = 0.001), and higher positive symptom score (p = 0.018) as predictors of relapse. In multivariate analysis, only full remission remained significant (p = 0.002). Our findings suggest that in making decision about discontinuation, applying more strict approaches, i.e., full recovery or remission criteria and detailed assessment of positive symptoms are critical and essential. |
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| ISSN: | 2754-6993 |