Effects of clozapine on psychiatric symptoms, cognition, and functional outcome in schizophrenia

This study focused on the symptomatic and cognitive effects of the atypical antipsychotic clozapine in chronic hospitalized schizophrenia patients. Fu rther, it explored how these effects might be related to discharge, an impo rtant functional outcome. Patients were assessed at baseline and at regular intervals with clinical instruments and a cognitive battery. Clozapine tre atment produced symptomatic and cognitive improvements, positive changes th at appeared to occur independently of one another. Baseline cognitive perfo rmance, as well as cognitive change with treatment, predicted discharge. Fu rther investigation of the effects of clozapine and other atypical antipsyc hotics on cognition and functional outcome is warranted.