EFFICACY OF TRIFLUOPERAZINE ON WITHDRAWAL IN CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

A group of 78 chronic withdrawn schizophrenic patients was selected for a test of the efficacy of trifluoperazine on withdrawal. The average age of patients was 49 years, and the average stay in the hospital 20 years. The patients were assigned randomly to three experimental groups. The evaluation was controlled, using both an inert placebo and an active ataractic (chlorpromazine). Each patient received five independent evaluations (by two physicians and three attendants), using the Lorr Scale (MSRPP). Three sets of evaluations were made; the first before medication, the second after two months and the third after four months. Within the limitations of this study, the trifluoperazine group after four months medication, showed a significant decrease in withdrawal on this factor in the Lorr Scale (MSRPP), compared with inert placebo (p = .03). This held also for the trifluoperazine group when compared with the chlorpromazine group (p = .02). No unequivocal changes could be ascertained in other areas of behavior.