The Efficacy of Rivastigmine Augementation to Antipsychotic Agents on Positive and Negative Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia

Abstract

Developing an effective treatment line in schizophrenia is a significant challenge. Rivastigmine as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor has been evaluated for improving cognitive function and clinical symptoms with contradicting findings in the previous studies. Furthermore, the role of rivastigmine on the quality of life is poorly understood in schizophrenia. The effect of Rivastigmine augmentation on positive and negative symptoms, general psychopathology, and quality of life in patients with chronic Schizophrenia is investigated. Methods: A double-blind, parallel design, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 60 schizophrenia patients was conducted. Intervention group received rivastigmine 3 mg/day + Treatment as Usual (TAU) and control group: TAU + placebo. Positive and negative symptoms, general psychopathology; and the quality of life measured using Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA) at baseline, week 4, and week 8, respectively. T-test and repeated measure ANOVA tests were used for the analyses. Results: Out of 60 participants, 52 (86.6%) were male. There were no significant differences regarding socio-demographic characteristics and clinical features between groups at baseline. Intra-group analysis showed that all outcome measures (positive symptoms, negative symptoms, general psychopathology symptoms and quality of life score in rivastigmine group was significantly improved (p=0.001). According to inter-groups analysis, a significant association was found between Rivastigmine and placebo groups in positive symptoms and negative symptoms (p<0.05).