At least 67 schizophrenic patients have undergone dialysis for renal
failure, without improvement in schizophrenic symptoms. Ninety-two
nonuremic schizophrenic patients have received dialysis in nonblind
studies; 22 improved, 21 improved partially, 47 showed no change, and 2
became worse. The authors point out factors other than dialysis that may
affect outcome, including family respones and reduction in drug dose. They
believe that until the results of current double-blind, sham- controlled
trials are known, dialysis should not be prescribed as a treatment for
schizophrenia.Abstract Teaser