Deprenyl augmentation for treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia: A double-blind, controlled study

Augmentation of dopaminergic neurotransmission has been suggested as a trea tment strategy for negative symptoms of schizophrenia. On the basis of open studies that reported the potential benefit of deprenyl (selegiline) as au gmentation to antipsychotic treatment, this double-blind, controlled study was designed to further address this question. Sixteen schizophrenic patien ts with predominately negative symptoms, manifesting clinical stability on maintenance antipsychotic treatment, were randomly assigned to receive eith er deprenyl 15 mg/day or placebo in addition to their antipsychotic treatme nt for 8 weeks. Clinical follow-up and ratings were done during this period and for 8 more weeks after deprenyl discontinuation. Both groups showed a statistically significant but clinically marginal improvement over the 8 we eks of deprenyl or placebo treatment. This improvement was abolished during the postdiscontinuation follow-up period. Deprenyl at a dose of 15 mg/day did not offer therapeutic benefit in our patients. A significant placebo ef fect was observed, which may be the result of increased patient-doctor cont act during the study.