Effects of Aripiprazole (LAI) on Phychosocial/Cognitive Functioning, pt Reported AcceptabilityofTreatment in Sch

Inclusion Criteria

• •* Participants 18-45 of years age fulfilling DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria of schizophrenia,
• •* Disease history of ≤ 3 years (≤ 3 years after the emergence of first psychotic symptoms),
• •* A history of symptom exacerbation or relapse when not receiving antipsychotics therefore requiring maintenance antipsychotic treatment,
• •* Informed written consent,
• •* Not on any antipsychotic treatment at least for 3 months or requiring a switch in treatment for any reason (lack of efficacy/ inadequate response to current antipsychotic(s), intolerance, nonadherence), and with the potential to benefit from extended treatment with an LAI formulation, in the investigator's opinion.
• •* Lack of efficacy is defined as subjects with a baseline total PANSS score ≥70 or ≥2 items scoring ≥4 in the Positive or Negative Symptom Subscale
• •* Lack of tolerability is defined as the presence of clinically relevant side effects with the previous antipsychotic medication.
• •* Being literate in order to be able to answer the self report scales.