This study tests the hypothesis that mifepristone will diminish cognitive distortion and alleviate psychosis in patients with schizoaffective disorder.
You are invited to participate in a research study which evaluates the effectiveness of mifepristone (RU 486) in rapidly reducing the symptoms associated with schizoaffective disorder. Our group believes that the cognitive deficits (a decline in the ability to think clearly) and psychosis (hallucinations or delusions) exhibited in some affective disorders are driven by an excess of stress hormone effects (hypercortisolemia). Often the origin of this hormonal imbalance is unknown. Current treatment for schizoaffective disorder (characterized by mood swings and hallucinations and/or delusions) involves using a combination of antidepressant medication (for mood elevation), mood stabilizing medications (to prevent extreme high and low moods) and antipsychotic medication (for the correction of altered thinking). While these therapies are often effective, they can take several weeks or longer to work. We hope to uncover a quick, effective, safe therapy for the treatment of individuals with your condition.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
12
600 mg of mifepristone
Placebo comparator
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford, California, United States
Change in Positive Psychotic Symptoms Over the Course of Treatment
Utilized the Positive Symptoms Subscale of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale is assess psychotic symptoms. Range for the subscale is 4-28, with 4 = no positive symptoms
Time frame: 8 days
Change in Mood Symptoms
Utilized the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, 21-item version to assess depressive symptoms, with a range of 0-63, with higher scores indicating greater levels of depression.
Time frame: Baseline and Day 9
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