The retinoid X receptor agonist bexarotene relieves positive symptoms of schizophrenia: a 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial.

Objective: The limitations of antipsychotic therapy in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder led to the investigation of the putative utility of pharmacologic augmentation strategies. The antitumor agent bexarotene via nuclear retinoid X receptor (RXR) activation might modulate numerous metabolic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. This trial aimed to investigate efficacy and safety of add-on bexarotene to ongoing antipsychotic treatment of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms in schizophrenia: prevalence, clinical features and treatment. A literature review.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in schizophrenia, the clinical features of the sub-group of patients with schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive symptoms and treatment options for these patients.

Method: A literature review of studies investigating the prevalence, clinical features and treatment of patients with schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Results: The prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in schizophrenic patients, while generally found to be higher than in the general population, varies widely between different studies.