Pharmacologic treatment for offenders with schizophrenia
Pharmacologic Treatment in Legal Offenders With Schizophrenia, a Prospective Observational Mirror Image Study
This study looks at how different medications can help people with schizophrenia who have committed violent crimes to see what works best for them.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Psychiatric University Hospital, Zurich Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zürich) |
| Trial ID | NCT05939765 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on patients with schizophrenia who have committed violent crimes, aiming to identify appropriate pharmacological treatments and develop clinical profiles. It addresses the significant gap in evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of antipsychotic medications for this vulnerable population. By observing treatment outcomes, the study seeks to enhance clinical judgment and improve therapeutic options for individuals with schizophrenia in forensic settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 65 with a DSM-5 diagnosis of schizophrenia who have committed a violent crime during a psychotic episode.
Not a fit: Patients with low intelligence, current neurological disorders, or substance-induced psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and evidence-based treatment options for offenders with schizophrenia, potentially reducing violent behavior.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence from controlled clinical trials for this specific population, the study aims to fill a significant gap in the existing literature on treatment for offenders with schizophrenia.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria * Participants are competent to give informed consent. * Participants are between 18 and 65 years of age. * Diagnosis of schizophrenia DSM-5 * Violent crime in the course of a psychotic episode. * German language proficiency Exclusion criteria * Low intelligence * Current neurological disorder * Substance induced psychotic disorder
Where this trial is running
Zürich
- Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik Zürich — Zürich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stephan T. Egger, MD, PhD — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Stephan T Egger, MD, PhD
- Email: stephan.egger@pukzh.ch
- Phone: +41583843473
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.