Abstract
INTRODUCTION: First-episode schizophrenia is a prevalent psychiatric disorder with a complex etiology. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of risperidone in treating patients with first-episode schizophrenia. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify studies on the efficacy of risperidone for first-episode schizophrenia. The literature was evaluated for quality, and a meta-analysis was then performed. RESULTS: A total of 15 articles (6 in Chinese and 9 in English) were included. The meta-analysis revealed statistically significant differences in the cure rate (relative risk [RR]=0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-0.57, p <0.001) and the total marked improvement rate (RR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.52-0.65, p <0.001) favoring risperidone over control groups. The incidence of weight gain (p <0.001) and extrapyramidal symptoms (p=0.005) was higher with risperidone. CONCLUSION: Risperidone shows increased cure and effective rates compared with control groups (including placebo and other antipsychotics) in the treatment of patients with first-episode schizophrenia. However, it may increase the risk of extrapyramidal reactions and weight gain.