Methylphenidate augmentation therapy in schizophrenia.
Eight schizophrenic inpatients participated in a 2-week double-blind crossover study to test the efficacy of methylphenidate treatment for patients on a stabilized neuroleptic dose. All were young men with a childhood history of hyperactivity. The instruments used, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms, Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms, and Nurses Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation, showed no significant differences between stimulant and placebo conditions. One patient suffered a repeated pressor effect and was removed from the protocol. However, staff and self-report found some improvement in 3 patients and a slight worsening in 1.
Carpenter
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MD
Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York 10962.
Winsberg
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BG
Camus
L A
LA
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D008774:Methylphenidate