A Research Program Studying Treatment Effectiveness
and Outcomes in Schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s Disease

About the Study

Goals of The CATIE Schizophrenia Study

Patient recruitment for the CATIE Schizophrenia Study has ended.

Antipsychotic drugs clearly help treat the symptoms of schizophrenia, but cause bothersome side effects in many patients. Newer medications, called atypical antipsychotics, are now available. The CATIE Schizophrenia Study is an independent comparison of the newer atypical antipsychotics with each other and with a conventional antipsychotic. The study aims to determine which medications are most effective and, as a result, help to improve treatment and the quality of life of people with schizophrenia.

Caring for Study Participants

People participating in this study will receive antipsychotic medication and treatment from a psychiatrist and treatment team specializing in schizophrenia care.

Consistent clinical care is provided. There are 20 scheduled study visits: two initial screening visits, then one visit a month for 18 months. Neither the participant nor their doctor will know what medication the participant is taking, and the selection of a study medication is made randomly. Participants may continue other necessary medications.

Participants and their family members or caregivers will receive basic therapy, education and support through the Patient & Family Education Plan. The CATIE study encourages family involvement and promotes treatment adherence.

Study-related clinical care and study medications are provided at no cost. Transportation reimbursement is available.

Who can participate?

• People ages 18-65
• People with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia
• People who are appropriate for oral medications

To determine actual eligibility for CATIE, prospective participants undergo a screening evaluation, including a psychiatric and medical history, physical exam and blood tests.

Study Medications

The CATIE Schizophrenia Study is comparing the effectiveness of six medications approved for market use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

• ziprasidone (Geodon)
• olanzapine (Zyprexa)
• quietiapine (Seroquel)
• risperidone (Risperdal)
• clozapine (Clozaril)
• perphenazine (Trilafon)*

Participants who improve on a study medication may stay on it. Those who do not improve or experience intolerable side effects will be offered another active treatment. In this way, participants may try each study medication to find which one is most helpful for them.

*Participants with Tardive Dyskinesia will not be given the conventional antipsychotic, perphenazine.