Most studies comparing second generation antipsychotics with classical neuroleptics have been conducted in more or less chronic schizophrenia patients.

The aim of the European First Episode Schizophrenia Trial (EUFEST) is to compare treatment with amisulpride, quetiapine, olanzapine and ziprasidone to a low dose of haloperidol in an unselected sample of first episode schizophrenia patients with minimal prior exposure to antipsychotics.

500 patients between the ages of 18-40 meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or schizophreniform disorder will be randomly allocated to one year of treatment with one of the drugs under study. Maximum prior antipsychotic treatment is limited to two weeks. The primary outcome measure is retention in treatment, defined as time to discontinuation of study drug. Secondary measures include changes in different dimensions of psychopathology, side effects, compliance, social needs, quality of life, substance abuse and cognitive functions

At present, recruitment has been concluded and more than 490 patients have been recruited and randomized. The data have been analyzed and outcome data of this sample will be presented.