Lithium versus fluphenazine for prophylaxis in mainly schizophrenic schizo-affectives.

14 outpatients (aged 18–60 yrs) diagnosed mainly as schizophrenic schizoaffectives under Research Diagnostic Criteria were administered Li and fluphenazine in a double-blind study. Ss received dosages of combined Li (levels kept above .6 mg) and fluphenazine, which was restricted from 5–20 mg/day orally or from 12.5–50 mg im every 2 wks. One of the 2 medications was changed to placebo at baseline. Ss were evaluated under the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia at baseline and at regular intervals throughout 1 yr or until relapse. It was found that 6 Ss on Li relapsed within 1 yr, while 1 S on fluphenazine relapsed. The type of relapse varied: Three were schizophrenic, 3 were schizoaffective, and 1 was manic. Data suggest that Li is not adequate prophylactically for mainly schizophrenic schizoaffective patients. (26 ref) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)