Abstract: AIM: To explore the difference on efficacy and social function between paliperidone extended-release tablets and risperidone in treatment of patients with schizophrenia and schizophreniform psychosis.METHODS: 82 schizophrenic and schizophreniform psychosis patients were randomly contributed into groups treated with paliperidone extended-release tablets or with risperidone for 4 weeks. They were assessed with Positive and Negative Symptoms Scales (PANSS), CGI-S and personal and social performance scale (PSP) in baseline, 1st weekend, 2nd weekend, 3rd weekend and 4th weekend after treatment.RESULTS: In study group, the relative decreasing change of PANSS in the 4th weekend of treatment were all significantly higher than that of group of risperidone (P<0.05 or 0.01). The relative decreasing change of CGI-S in the 4th weekend of treatment was significantly higher than that of group of risperidone (P<0.05). The increasing changes of PSP in the 4th weekend of treatment were all significantly higher than that of group of risperidone (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Paliperidone extended-release tablets are effective to improve symptoms, and social functions of patients with schizophrenia and schizophreniform psychosis.

Key words: Paliperidone extended-release tablet, Risperidone, Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform psychosis