Tailoring Adjunct Glycine Therapy in Schizophrenia [ 2008 - 2013 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Rodney Croft (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Patrick Johnston ,  E/Pr Patricia Michie ,  Prof Jayashri Kulkarni ,  Prof Paul Fitzgerald
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Brief description ‘Glycine’ is an amino acid that can be purchased ‘over the counter’ at health food shops in Australia. Although traditionally administered as a dietary supplement, recently there has been considerable excitement in the psychiatric community due to its ability to improve schizophrenia symptoms when administered in conjunction with mainstream medications. However, two issues need to be resolved in order for glycine to be employed as a routine therapy in schizophrenia. Firstly, this treatment is only effective in some patients, and we have no way of determining which patients will benefit from glycine. Secondly, there are both theoretical reasons and experimental evidence that glycine administration can cause severe impairment for some individuals. Thus although there is great potential for glycine to ease the burden of schizophrenia symptoms, these two issues need to be resolved before this possibility can be actualised. Theoretical considerations, supported by pilot research of the investigators, point to the view that schizophrenia patients’ baseline glycine level is the critical factor that determines whether a patient will benefit or be impaired by glycine therapy. This thesis offers a testable means with which to resolve the above limitations to the use of glycine. The purpose of the current research program is thus to provide the basis for rational prescription of glycine as an additional therapeutic tool in schizophrenia.

Funding Amount $AUD 447,353.40

Funding Scheme NHMRC Strategic Awards

Notes Complimentary and Alternative Medicines