The efficacy of QTP in the treatment of schizophrenia has been well established in randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, but there is a lack of data concerning its efficacy in the medium- term management of schizoaffective disorder. Aim of the study was to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy and tolerability of QTP in preventing relapses of Schizoaffective Disorder (1,2).

The study involved 18 outpatients (4 males and 14 females), at least 18 years of age, with a diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder, based on the DSM-IV-TR criteria.

Patients were evaluated by using BPRS, CDSS and CGI-S. Clinical evaluation was assessed retrospectively through the data obtained by the clinical records. Evaluation started when QTP was prescribed (T0), and was performed after six months (T6). Moreover, a clinical evaluation was assessed six months before the start of QTP treatment by using the same rating scale (T-6). The main outcome measure evaluated was the rate of hospitalization caused by depressive, manic or psychotic relapses.

At the end of the study (T6), a significant reduction in CGI-S, BPRS and CDSS scores was observed. CDSS mean scores showed a 60% amelioration vs T0. No patients dropped out because of side effects. The mean dosage of quetiapine in our study was 544 mg/die.

QTP, alone or in association with benzodiazepines and/or mood stabilizers, seems to be an effective tool in the treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder and in prevention of relapses and consistent with several researches it seems effective in reduction of depressive symptoms.