Effects of Naltrexone on Cognition in a Treatment Study of Patients with Schizophrenia and Comorbid Alcohol Dependence

• Published in: Journal of dual diagnosis 2006-08, Vol.2 (4), p.53-69
• Main Authors: Ralevski, Elizabeth, Balachandra, Krishna, Gueorguieva, Ralitza, Limoncelli, Diana, Petrakis, Ismene
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: alcohol; cognition; Naltrexone; psychosis; schizophrenia
• ISSN: 1550-4263; 1550-4271
• DOI: 10.1300/J374v02n04_05

Deficits in frontal lobe functioning are common to both schizophrenia and alcohol dependence and have been associated with problems with memory and attention. Objectives: The first objective of this study was to examine the effect of naltrexone treatment on cognition in patients with schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol dependence. The second objective was to assess whether changes in drinking patterns were related to changes in cognitive functioning. Methods: Outpatients with schizophrenia and alcohol dependence (n = 30) were randomized (double-blind) to either naltrexone or placebo for 12 weeks to treat their alcohol dependence. After the initial 12 weeks of treatment they were offered the option of open-label naltrexone for an additional 12 weeks (8 patients continued on naltrexone, and 6 switched from placebo to naltrexone). Alcohol use, symptoms of schizophrenia, memory and attention were assessed at baseline, at week 12 and week 24. Results: The results showed that naltrexone had no effect on cognitive functioning for patients with alcohol dependence and schizophrenia, and there was no relationship between change in alcohol consumption and change in cognitive functioning in patients with alcohol dependence and schizophrenia. Conclusions: Naltrexone can be used safely for alcohol reduction in patients with schizophrenia and comorbid alcohol dependence.