Schizophrenia has no cure. Current treatments only aim to contain the psychotic and social symptoms of the disorder. However, to get the most out of the clinical trials for schizophrenia relapse prevention medication, the government has allowed placebo controlled trials.
In a recent analysis, Professor Robin Emsley of the University of Stellenbosch and co-authors argue that such placebo trials are potentially putting the patients in harm’s way and that non-inferiority trials offer a suitable alternative.
The paper, published on 9th September, reached the conclusion that although contemporary research may be insufficient to define clear cut hazards of such trials, perils not yet known are likely to exist. The authors wrote: “No evidence of harm is different from evidence of no harm, and the burden must be to show no harm.” The paper called for long-term studies, designed to determine the mental and biological impacts the alarming placebo trials have on schizophrenic individuals and the relapse.
An interesting article.A shame about the sensationalist title.
Being on antipsychotics long term can ultimately kill you, especially atypicals with metabolic effects and weight gain. Alot of sz patients die from being lazy and smoking ad eating rubbish all day and watching tv. Some of those who are more motivated commit suicide but those are a minority. Alot of our mortality issues can be attributed to these other factors which are present at the same time as the administration of aps and participation in clinical trials.