HYDROXYZINE IN CONCEPT LNDENTIFLCATION UNDER INDUCED STRESS WITH CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENICS

Abstract

This was a double-blind study of 72 chronic undifferentiated schizophrenics given 1 mg/lb of hydroxyzine or placebo intramuscularly 30 minutes before concept identification. The experiment consisted of two phases: 1) Conditioning to 500 cps tone paired with electric shock; 2) extinction of conditioned response during concept identification procedure. Galvanic skin responses were recorded throughout: The level of anticipation of a stressful stimulus (electric shock) during the extinction phase was significantly lower for the hydroxyzine group than with patients who were administered placebo. Concept identification was not inhibited by administering hydroxyzine; the effects of placebo and hydroxyzine were functionally equivalent. Both the hydroxyzine and the placebo patients'' conditioning levels were comparable, indicating lack of any depressing influence by the hydroxyzine. The major conclusion was that hydroxyzine did not interfere with conceptual attainment, although it significantly reduced anxiety (autonomic activation level) during the extinction phase. From a clinical point of view, hydroxyzine appears to be potentially effective as an adjunct agent in reducing or extinguishing stress which may have been originally associated with a painful stimulus or experience.