THE EFFECTS OF DIISOPROPYLFLUOROPHOSPHONATE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA AND MANIC DEPRESSIVE PSYCHOSIS

Abstract

Diiso-propylfluorophosphonate (DFP) was given to 13 schizophrenics and 9 manic depressives in total dosages of 13 mg. over a 7-day period and to 4 schizophrenics in mean total dosage of 43 mg. over 37 days. Total dosage of 13 mg. DFP was given to normal control subjects, 2 others being able to tolerate 11 and 7 mg. DFP, respectively. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular symptoms were less marked in schizophrenics than manic depressives. Electroencephalographic observations showed decreased amplitude and diminution of alpha activity, which picture reversed itself 24 hrs. after withdrawal of DFP. There was no epileptiform action. Schizophrenics showed milder eeg. changes than manic depressives and normals. The schizophrenics showed profound changes in the clinical picture when activation of the psychosis occurred. This was not a form of delirium. Mental symptoms persisted longer than physical ones and may have been due to the anticholinesterase action of DFP. In manic depressives DFP produced a depression which was not necessarily related to uncomfortable physical symptoms.