Schizophrenia affects 2.4 million adults in the United States. Even though we’ve made tremendous strides in the treatment of this serious illness, approximately sixty percent of all patients continue to have significant symptoms of hallucinations, paranoia, poor social skills or cognitive impairment. Many of these patients struggle with unemployment, underemployment, completing their education, difficulties in maintaining independent living, as well as basic social and family relationships. This treatment trial addresses the individuals who have attempted treatment, but continue to have symptoms that impair their ability to function. You can learn more about schizophrenia here.
This clinical trial, called “DayBreak,” is sponsored by the international pharmaceutical company Lundbeck.
The study compares an investigational compound to two medications that are FDA approved to treat schizophrenia. The purpose of this trial is to determine if this compound more effectively relieves symptoms compared to the existing medications. All of the medications that are used to treat schizophrenia work on the dopamine receptors in the brain. This is a treatment study (there is no placebo group). Participants will receive either conventional or investigational therapy.
Do you qualify for this study?
Every clinical study requires that participants meet certain criteria; the information booklet gives some basic qualification guidelines for this study. Dr. Atkinson will need to see prospective participants to make a medical determination as to whether they are able to participate in the study, but you can get a preliminary idea by answering three questions:
