Dialysis for schizophrenia: review of clinical trials and implications for further research

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.