Memantine for the Treatment of Primary Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, shows promise as an add-on therapy for treating the primary negative symptoms of schizophrenia, with a large effect size. This finding could revolutionize the management of this debilitating condition.
This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of memantine as an add-on treatment for the primary negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The researchers followed PRISMA guidelines and searched multiple databases for relevant randomized controlled trials. They found 13 studies (N=681) and calculated standardized mean differences to assess the effect size. Memantine was superior to placebo in treating negative symptoms, with a large effect size. Cognitive function also significantly improved, but positive symptoms did not. The small sample size for the adjusted analysis (N=97) limited statistical significance, but the results suggest memantine may be an effective treatment for the primary negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects.