Using clozapine to reduce violence in people with schizophrenia

1/7 Clozapine for the Prevention of Violence in Schizophrenia: a Randomized Clinical Trial

NIH-funded research New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-10440283

This study is looking at whether clozapine, a medication for schizophrenia, can help reduce violent behavior in people who are at high risk for violence, and it will involve participants receiving either clozapine or regular treatment for six months to see which works better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10440283 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of clozapine, an antipsychotic medication, in reducing the risk of violent behavior among individuals with schizophrenia who are at high risk for violence. The study will involve a randomized clinical trial across seven sites, where participants will receive either clozapine or standard treatment for a duration of 24 weeks. By comparing these two groups, the research aims to provide robust evidence on clozapine's impact on violent acts, addressing limitations of previous studies that were often observational or small-scale. The trial will focus on real-world community settings to enhance the applicability of the findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who exhibit a high risk of violent behavior.

Not a fit: Patients with schizophrenia who are not at risk for violence or those who do not meet the study's inclusion criteria may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for individuals with schizophrenia, potentially reducing violence and enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested that clozapine may be more effective than other antipsychotics in reducing aggression, but this trial aims to provide more definitive evidence in a community setting.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.