THE EFFECTS OF RESERPINE (SERPASIL®) ON THE CHRONIC DISTURBED SCHIZOPHRENIC

Abstract

The effect of Serpasil was studied in 80 severely ill long-stay schizophrenic patients to compare its use to electroconvulsive therapy as a maintenance measure. They were divided into four matched groups of 20 each, receiving: A, placebo; B, Serpasil; C, placebo and electroshock; and D, Serpasil and electroschock. The results showed that Serpasil produced beneficial effects which were superior to maintenance shock treatment in the severely ill long-stay schizophrenics. Twenty-five per cent of these cases were markedly improved; 50% were moderately or mildly improved. The remaining 25%, although psychi-atrically unimproved, were easier to manage from a nursing standpoint.