Subjects
DSM Disorders
SCID, DISEASE, DISORDERS
This study was conducted at First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. The study procedures and protocol were approved by the Ethics Committee of First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University and all participants or their guardians signed written informed consent.A total of 263 patients from First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University were screened. Eligible adult patients (18–45 years) with SZ diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID) were recruited. All patients were first-episode medication-naïve patients (FEMN) with SZ. The complete eligibility criteria were shown as follows: (1) male or female outpatients; (2) 18–45 years of age; (3) disease duration of SZ not exceeding 60 months; (4) antipsychotic naïve; and (5) more than 9 years of education. Exclusion criteria were: (1) substance dependence except for nicotine; (2) major somatic comorbidities; and (3) abnormal values on routine biochemical tests.Thirty-three patients were excluded and 230 patients were randomized to two treatment groups (115 in each group). The reasons for the exclusion included ineligible (n = 10), not meeting inclusion criteria (n = 9) and refusal to participate (n = 14).