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Testosterone for schizophrenia

Elias A, Kumar A

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2007

126 participants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recently, sex hormones such as estrogens and testosterone or its derivatives have been the focus of interest for treatment of persistent symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVES: To review the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)/testosterone as adjunctive therapy to standard antipsychotic drugs.

SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register (January 2007).

SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all clinical randomised trials comparing DHEA/testosterone plus standard antipsychotic treatment with standard treatment alone.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We independently selected studies and extracted data. For dichotomous data we calculated the relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) on an intention to treat basis, using a fixed effects model. We presented continuous data using the weighted mean difference statistic, with a 95% confidence interval using a fixed effects model.

MAIN RESULTS: We found three relevant small, short trials (total n=126). Clinical Global Impression data were equivocal (n=27, 1 RCT, WMD -0.43 CI -0.9 to 0.1). Average total PANSS scores were not significantly different between the DHEA plus antipsychotic group and those given antipsychotic drugs and placebo (n=82, 2 RCTs, WMD -4.16 CI -13.8 to 5.5). PANSS positive scores were equivocal (n=55, 1 RCT, WMD -1.00 CI -3.8 to 1.8). For negative symptoms binary SANS scale data favoured the DHEA plus antipsychotic group (n=30, 1 RCT, RR 0.23 CI…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 126 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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