Orthostatic challenge during neuroleptic test dose: a possible predictor of short-term outcome.
Cardiovascular measurements were used as indicators of autonomic arousal during an orthostatic challenge test without medication and after a test dose of 150 mg perazine in 20 acute schizophrenic patients. Unmedicated schizophrenics showed elevated heart rates and elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure in comparison to healthy volunteers. After a test dose of 150 mg perazine, responders (using BPRS outcome criteria after 23 days) showed a pronounced orthostatic heart rate reaction in comparison to nonresponders. Results are discussed in relation to arousal theories and central dopaminergic activity in schizophrenia.
Volz
H P
HP
Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Germany.
Mackert
A
A
Diefenbacher
A
A
Friedrich
A
A
Gaebel
W
W
Müller
H
H
Stock
G
G
Möller
H J
HJ
D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010464:Perazine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011187:Posture; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000187:drug effects; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D010464:Perazine; D006220:Haloperidol