Lurasidone in first-episode psychosis with predominant depressive symptoms: a case report

Abstract

Lurasidone is an atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar depression. It seems to have an antidepressant effect due to 5-HT7 as well as 5-HT2A and 5-HT1a receptor affinity. Here we present a case of a 19-year-old male patient with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and predominant depressive symptoms. Remarkable clinical and functional improvement was observed 3 months after the beginning of lurasidone treatment. The patient’s depressive symptoms disappear with a dramatic reduction of psychotic ones, with good tolerance of the drug and without adverse effects. Lurasidone seems to be a promising treatment option for FEP with predominant depressive symptoms.