Ritanserin, a Selective 5-HT 2/1C Antagonist, and Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Trial

• Published in: British journal of psychiatry Vol. 163; no. 4; pp. 451 - 455
• Main Authors: Duinkerke, S. J., Botter, P. A., Jansen, A. A. I., Van Dongen, P. A. M., Van Haaften, A. J., Boom, A. J., Van Laarhoven, J. H. M., Busard, H. L. S. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.10.1993
• ISSN: 0007-1250; 1472-1465
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.163.4.451

The effectiveness of ritanserin, a selective 5-HT 2 and 5-HT 1c antagonist, in reducing negative symptoms in schizophrenia was investigated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Trial treatment was added to a stable neuroleptic treatment in 33 schizophrenic patients with predominantly negative symptoms. Ritanserin reduced the negative symptoms, as measured with the SANS. The main reduction was for the items facial expression, global affective flattening, and relationships with friends and peers. Also a reduction in total BPRS score was found, which approached statistical significance. Significant reductions were observed for the BPRS items emotional withdrawal and depressive mood. Ritanserin or other drugs blocking 5-HT 2 and/or 5-HT 1c receptors could be important in reducing specific symptoms in schizophrenic patients.