Neurocognitive effects of aripiprazole in adolescents and young adults with schizophrenia

Background: The use of aripiprazole has been associated with a positive influence on mood and improved cognitive skills and social interactions; however, studies of its effects on young schizophrenic patients have been limited to active symptoms. Aims: This prospective, open-label study investigated the neurocognitive effects of aripiprazole in adolescents and young adults with first and repeated episodes of schizophrenia. Methods: Twenty-three of 42 schizophrenic outpatients aged 12-26 completed a trial of aripiprazole, and its efficacy was determined using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impressions Severity (CGI-S) and WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL) scales. Cognitive function was measured with the Cognitive Performance Test (CPT) and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) at 4, 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Results: Results showed statistically significant improvements in BPRS, CGI-S and WHOQOL scores in certain (but not all) subcategories of cognitive measures including CPT detectability and total errors and perseverative errors on the WCST. There were few adverse side-effects. Conclusions: Psychotic symptoms and cognitive skills improved during treatment with aripiprazole in adolescents and young adults with schizophrenia. Patients with first psychotic episodes did better than did those with repeat episodes.