1
|
Tsapakis EM, Treiber M, Mitkani C, Drakaki Z, Cholevas A, Spanaki C, Fountoulakis KN. Pharmacological Treatments of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia-An Update. J Clin Med 2024; 13:5637. [PMID: 39337126 PMCID: PMC11432821 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13185637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic psychotic disorder comprising positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits. Negative symptoms are associated with stigma, worse functional outcomes, and a significant deterioration in quality of life. Clinical diagnosis is challenging despite its significance, and current treatments offer little improvement in the burden of negative symptoms. This article reviews current pharmacological strategies for treating negative symptoms. Dopaminergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, cholinergic, anti-inflammatory compounds, hormones, and psychostimulants are explored. Finally, we review pharmacological global treatment guidelines for negative symptoms. In general, switching to a second-generation antipsychotic seems to be most often recommended for patients with schizophrenia on first-generation antipsychotics, and an add-on antidepressant is considered when depression is also present. However, the treatment of negative symptoms remains an unmet need. Future, larger clinical studies and meta-analyses are needed to establish effective pharmacological agents for the effective treatment of negative symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Maria Tsapakis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Michael Treiber
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Calypso Mitkani
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Neurology, Agios Pavlos General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 55134 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Zoe Drakaki
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Anastasios Cholevas
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Cleanthe Spanaki
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Voutes, 71110 Crete, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Selvan P, Devkare P, Shetty A, Dharmadhikari S, Khandhedia C, Mane A, Mehta S, Andrade C. A review on the pharmacology of cariprazine and its role in the treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1385925. [PMID: 38711874 PMCID: PMC11071166 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1385925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Management of negative symptoms is one of the most challenging and important unmet needs of schizophrenia treatment. Negative symptoms together with positive symptoms result in significant psychosocial impairment and poor quality of life. Existing studies on atypical antipsychotics reported limited treatment adherence due to higher prevalence of treatment-emergent adverse events, such as diabetes, weight gain, hyperlipidemia, hyperprolactinemia and hypertension. A compound with greater affinity for dopamine D2/D3 receptors may improve negative symptoms, mood, and cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. In 2015, the US FDA has approved cariprazine, a partial D2/D3 agonist for treatment of schizophrenia, mania or mixed episodes. Midlands and Lancashire Commissioning Support Unit, UK (2019) has particularly suggested cariprazine for the treatment of predominant negative symptoms of schizophrenia. India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has approved cariprazine in 2021 for the treatment of schizophrenia, manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. A ten-fold greater affinity for D3 receptors and partial agonism to serotonin receptors, along with longer half-life make cariprazine distinct when compared with other atypical antipsychotics. Cariprazine is also reported to have fewer incidents of metabolic and hormonal adverse events, and has been shown to provide better relapse prevention. Recent evidence indicates promising effect of cariprazine in ameliorating negative symptoms as well as psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. In addition, improved adherence to treatment (adjunctive/monotherapy) with cariprazine in patients having inadequate response to an ongoing antipsychotic treatment has also been clinically established. This review presents the evidence-based safety and efficacy of cariprazine for treatment of predominant negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panneer Selvan
- Department of Psychiatry, Sneka Mind Care Hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prashant Devkare
- Medical Affairs and Clinical Research, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Arthik Shetty
- Medical Affairs and Clinical Research, Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Shruti Dharmadhikari
- Medical Affairs and Clinical Research, Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Chintan Khandhedia
- Medical Affairs and Clinical Research, Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Amey Mane
- Medical Affairs and Clinical Research, Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Suyog Mehta
- Medical Affairs and Clinical Research, Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited, Mumbai, India
| | - Chittaranjan Andrade
- Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neurotoxicology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhu MH, Liu ZJ, Hu QY, Yang JY, Jin Y, Zhu N, Huang Y, Shi DH, Liu MJ, Tan HY, Zhao L, Lv QY, Yi ZH, Wu FC, Li ZZ. Amisulpride augmentation therapy improves cognitive performance and psychopathology in clozapine-resistant treatment-refractory schizophrenia: a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Mil Med Res 2022; 9:59. [PMID: 36253804 PMCID: PMC9578180 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00420-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although clozapine is an effective option for treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), there are still 1/3 to 1/2 of TRS patients who do not respond to clozapine. The main purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to explore the amisulpride augmentation efficacy on the psychopathological symptoms and cognitive function of clozapine-resistant treatment-refractory schizophrenia (CTRS) patients. METHODS A total of 80 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to receive initial clozapine plus amisulpride (amisulpride group) or clozapine plus placebo (placebo group). Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale scores, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS), laboratory measurements, and electrocardiograms (ECG) were performed at baseline, at week 6, and week 12. RESULTS Compared with the placebo group, amisulpride group had a lower PANSS total score, positive subscore, and general psychopathology subscore at week 6 and week 12 (PBonferroni < 0.01). Furthermore, compared with the placebo group, the amisulpride group showed an improved RBANS language score at week 12 (PBonferroni < 0.001). Amisulpride group had a higher treatment response rate (P = 0.04), lower scores of CGI severity and CGI efficacy at week 6 and week 12 than placebo group (PBonferroni < 0.05). There were no differences between the groups in body mass index (BMI), corrected QT (QTc) intervals, and laboratory measurements. This study demonstrates that amisulpride augmentation therapy can safely improve the psychiatric symptoms and cognitive performance of CTRS patients. CONCLUSION This study indicates that amisulpride augmentation therapy has important clinical significance for treating CTRS to improve clinical symptoms and cognitive function with tolerability and safety. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier- NCT03652974. Registered August 31, 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03652974.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Huan Zhu
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200124, China
| | - Zhen-Jing Liu
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, 266034, Shandong, China
| | - Qiong-Yue Hu
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, 266034, Shandong, China
| | - Jia-Yu Yang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200124, China
| | - Na Zhu
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200124, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200124, China
| | - Dian-Hong Shi
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200124, China
| | - Min-Jia Liu
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200124, China
| | - Hong-Yang Tan
- Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200124, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, 266034, Shandong, China
| | - Qin-Yu Lv
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Zheng-Hui Yi
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Feng-Chun Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510370, China. .,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, 510370, China.
| | - Ze-Zhi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510370, China. .,Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, 510370, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Analysis of Gut Microbiota in Patients with Exacerbated Symptoms of Schizophrenia following Therapy with Amisulpride: A Pilot Study. Behav Neurol 2022; 2022:4262094. [PMID: 35287288 PMCID: PMC8917950 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4262094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence is mounting that the gut microbiome is related to the underlying pathogenesis of schizophrenia. However, effects of amisulpride on gut microbiota are poorly defined. This study was aimed at analyzing cytokines and fecal microbiota in patients with exacerbated symptoms of schizophrenia treated with amisulpride during four weeks of their hospital stay. In the present study, feces collected from patients with schizophrenia were analyzed using 16S rRNA pyrosequencing and bioinformatic analyses to ascertain gut microbiome composition and fasting peripheral blood cytokines. We found that patients undergoing treatment of schizophrenia with amisulpride had distinct changes in gut microbial composition at the genus level, increased levels of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria (Dorea and Butyricicoccus), and reduced levels of pathogenic bacteria (Actinomyces and Porphyromonas), but the level of Desulfovibrio was still high. We also found a significant downregulation of butanoate metabolism based on functional analysis of the microbiome. After treatment, elevated levels of interleukin- (IL-) 4 and decreased levels of IL-6 were found. Our findings extend prior work and suggest a possible pharmacological mechanism of amisulpride treatment for schizophrenia, which acts via mediation of the gut microbiome.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu Q, Wang X, Wang Y, Long YJ, Zhao JP, Wu RR. Developments in Biological Mechanisms and Treatments for Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Dysfunction of Schizophrenia. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:1609-1624. [PMID: 34227057 PMCID: PMC8566616 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-021-00740-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The causal mechanisms and treatment for the negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia are the main issues attracting the attention of psychiatrists over the last decade. The first part of this review summarizes the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, especially the negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction from the perspectives of genetics and epigenetics. The second part describes the novel medications and several advanced physical therapies (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation) for the negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction that will optimize the therapeutic strategy for patients with schizophrenia in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiongqiong Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Ying Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yu-Jun Long
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Jing-Ping Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
| | - Ren-Rong Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Căpățînă OO, Micluția IV, Fadgyas-Stănculete M. Current perspectives in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia: A narrative review (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:276. [PMID: 33603883 PMCID: PMC7851661 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The negative symptoms of schizophrenia are an unmet treatment target as currently approved treatments mostly control positive symptoms. The persistence of these symptoms holds back the patient's reinstatement in society, making them incapable of fulfilling their social, professional, or family roles. There is overwhelming research evidence suggesting that the negative symptoms of schizophrenia are associated with poorer functioning and lower quality of life than positive symptoms, confirming the need for developing new treatments for this particular category of symptoms. This present review aims to review clinical trials addressing novel pharmacological approaches addressing primary negative symptoms of schizophrenia. We overview both monotherapies, first-generation and second-generation antipsychotics, and add-on therapies, including psychostimulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, molecules targeting glutamatergic, cholinergic or serotonergic systems and hormones. Our findings suggest that the primary negative symptoms of schizophrenia may be mitigated by adjunctive therapies, and we highlight the pharmacological agents that have proven superior efficacy. Novel compounds such as cariprazine and MIN-101, to date, show promising results, but large clinical trials are needed to test their efficacy and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Octavia O Căpățînă
- Department of Neurosciences, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana V Micluția
- Department of Neurosciences, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Fadgyas-Stănculete
- Department of Neurosciences, 'Iuliu Haţieganu' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yun JY, Lee JS, Kang SH, Nam B, Lee SJ, Lee SH, Choi J, Kim CH, Chung YC. Korean Treatment Guideline on Pharmacotherapy of Co-existing Symptoms and Antipsychotics-related Side Effects in Patients with Schizophrenia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.16946/kjsr.2019.22.2.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Je-Yeon Yun
- Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Yeongeon Student Support Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Suk Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Shi Hyun Kang
- Adult Psychiatry, Division of Medical Services, National Center for Mental Health, Seoul, Korea
| | - Beomwoo Nam
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Chungju, Korea
| | - Seung Jae Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyoungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Inje University, Ilsan-Paik Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Joonho Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Korea
| | - Chan-Hyung Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Chul Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| |
Collapse
|