Current Evidences on Psychopharmacology of Schizoaffective Disorder

Abstract

Schizoaffective disorder (SAD) is a psychotic disorder which has presented a certain nosological controversy. Apart from these difficulties, very few studies focused in SAD as a distinct condition from schizophrenia have been found. This lack of specifical studies on SAD results in a lack of specific evidence about treatment. Currently, its treatment is based mainly on the use of antipsychotics, although there are no specific treatment guidelines for SAD.

The objective of this review is to establish which are the most recommended treatments according to evidence available, considering clinical variables such as efficacy, safety, adherence, and tolerance as well as the role of these factors in different subtypes of SAD. This exhaustive review examines experimental and observational studies involving patients with a diagnosis of SAD.

It was concluded that more clinical trials performed exclusively on patients affected by SAD are needed. Paliperidone, the only drug with authorized use in SAD, is the one that has the highest quality of studies to support its use. Risperidone, olanzapine, aripiprazole and ziprasidone also have randomized clinical trials supporting their efficacy and safety. In treatment-refractory patients, there are observational studies indicating the usefulness of clozapine. Likewise, there is evidence from observational studies showing the usefulness of lithium and carbamazepine during the treatment maintenance phase. It is necessary to establish the role of combined treatment with mood stabilizers and/or antidepressants.