Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia: Comparison of Clozaril versus Depot. injection

MENA Dubai 2003 Abstract

Author AbdelAzim A. Ali
Copy The purpose of this study is to compare between two groups of patients with confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia. The area of comparison will be on the attention and the ability to shift attention when required.

There is evidence from previous studies that Atypical Antipsychotic medication (e.g. Clozaril) in general is better than conventional Antipsychotic medication (e.g. Depot. injection) in improving cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia.

This is a case control study, subjects have to fulfill certain inclusion criteria, for example: confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia, taking either Clozaril or Depot. injection. The setting of the study was in Clozaril clinic, St. Cadocs hospital, and Depot. clinic, Park Square, South Wales, UK. The test which was been used in this study to assess attention is the Intra/Extra dimensional set shift. This test is one of the subtests of Cambridge Neuropsychological test Automated Battery (CANTAB).

National Adult Reading Test (NART) was also used to assess the pre-morbid intelligence for all patients. Statistical Analysis was performed by using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS).

Although there were no difference between the two groups at the initial stages of the test which deals with focus of the attention, there was a significant difference at a later stage which deals with the shifting of attention, as Clozaril patients appear to perform better than Depot. patients.

Clozaril patients showed better performance in the tasks dealing with shifting of the attention which suggest that Atypical medication may improve cognitive function better than Typical medication (Depot. injection).