Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies have demonstrated that a therapeutic window of dopamine D2/3 receptor occupancy (60-80%) is associated with clinical response in younger patients with schizophrenia. This observation has been used to predict the therapeutic dose range and contributed to current recommended antipsychotic doses. To date, there is no published report to examine D2/3 receptor occupancy associated with clinical response in older individuals with primary psychotic disorders. This has has impeded the implementation of treatment guidelines.
The investigators therefore propose a prospective study to assess dopamine D2 and D3 receptor occupancy following acute antipsychotic treatment in patients aged 50 and older with schizophrenia who do not currently receive antipsychotic treatment, using both \[11C\]-(+)-PHNO and \[11C\]-raclopride PET scans. Dopamine D2/3 receptor occupancy of risperidone that are associated with clinical effects will be measured, using PET, in older patients with schizophrenia. The investigators will also try to contrast the contribution of D2 and D3 in mediating antipsychotic response, using 2 radiotracers.
Our primary goal is to relate changes in clinical outcome, including subjective and objective clinical ratings, to dopamine D2 and D3 receptor occupancy in older patients with schizophrenia, and compare these results with the data for younger patients in the literature.
