Research Into Antipsychotic Discontinuation and Reduction Trial
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2020-02-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Psychosis and schizophrenia are common and costly mental health problems. Psychosis is the
name given to a group of mental conditions in which cause people to perceive or interpret
things differently from those around them. One of the most common causes of psychosis is
schizophrenia, a condition that causes a range of psychological symptoms, including
hallucinations (hearing and/or seeing things) and delusions (believing something that is not
true). One of the main treatment options for psychosis and schizophrenia is long-term
treatment with antipsychotic medication, but many patients still find life difficult.
Antipsychotic drugs can also have dangerous and unpleasant side effects. Finding alternatives
to long-term drug treatment is a priority for patients and services. This study is testing
the effects of gradually reducing antipsychotic medication in people with schizophrenia,
psychosis or similar conditions in order to see if it can help improve day-to-day functioning
and how it affects their chance of suffering a relapse (worsening of their condition).