Relapse prevention in schizophrenia: evidence from longterm, randomized, double-blind clinical trials.

Fourteen long-term (duration at least 26 months) double-blind, randomized studies comparing second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) with placebo, conventional antipsychotics, or two or more SGAs, published after 2002 have been reviewed and are summarized in this chapter. Methodological problems and factors influencing results such as patient populations involved, outcome criteria, and dosages of evaluated drugs are discussed.