A study aimed to identify predictors of medication response in treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) by analyzing baseline patient and study characteristics in drug trials. Seventy-seven relevant studies were identified, comprising 7546 patients. The review revealed that 41% of patients achieved a response to treatment. Higher positive symptom scores at baseline predicted better treatment response, while other baseline characteristics did not show significant predictive value. The studies indicated that clozapine and other atypical antipsychotics had the highest response rates.

The meta-analytic review found limited baseline predictors of treatment response in TRS, highlighting the complexity of managing this condition. The association of higher positive symptoms and atypical antipsychotic use, particularly clozapine, with improved response underscores the need for personalized medication management and careful monitoring. The findings emphasize the necessity for further research to better understand and predict treatment outcomes in TRS, aiming to enhance patient care and therapeutic strategies.

Reference: Seppälä A, Pylvänäinen J, Lehtiniemi H, et al. Predictors of response to pharmacological treatments in treatment-resistant schizophrenia – A systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophr Res. 2021;236:123-134. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.08.005.