The effect of adjunctive telmisartan treatment on psychopathology and cognition in patients with schizophrenia

Objective: This study examined the effect of adjunctive telmisartan on psychopathology and cognition in olanzapine- or clozapine-treated patients with schizophrenia. Method: In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder received either telmisartan (80 mg once per day) or placebo. Psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and a neuropsychological battery was used to assess cognitive performance. Assessments for psychopathology and cognition were conducted at baseline and week 12. Results: Fifty-four subjects were randomized, and 43 completed the study (22 in the telmisartan group, 21 in the placebo group). After 12-weeks of treatment, the telmisartan group had a significant decrease in PANSS total score compared withthe placebo group (mean +/- SD: - 4.1 +/- 8.1 vs. 0.4 +/- 7.5, P = 0.038, SCohen's d = 0.57). There were no significant differences between the two groups in change from baseline to week 12 in PANSS subscale scores, SANS total score, or any cognitive measures (P > 0.100). Conclusion: The present study suggests that adjunctive treatment with telmisartan may improve schizophrenia symptoms. Future trials with larger sample sizes and longer treatment durations are warranted.