An exploratory evaluation of ECT in haloperidol-treated DSM-IIIR schizophreniform disorder.
In a double-blind, prospective study, 30 consecutive treatment-naive adult men with first-onset psychosis and DSM-IIIR provisional schizophreniform disorder (without good prognostic features) were randomized into true electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and sham ECT groups. Both groups received haloperidol in a fixed dose of 15 mg at night. The ECT schedule comprised six bilateral, sinusoidal wave treatments administered on alternate days, thrice a week. Weekly ratings for the first 6 weeks showed an absence of significant difference between the groups in the number of patients responding and in the rate of attenuation of psychosis; severity of depression, while less in the true ECT group after the first 3 weeks, did not differ between the groups at any subsequent time point. Clinical ratings were repeated at 6 months, and social functioning was assessed; again, no group differences emerged. It is concluded that ECT does not meaningfully improve response in unselected schizophreniform disorder that is treated with an adequate dose of neuroleptic.
Department of Psychiatry, Command Hospital, Air Force, India.
P
P
Sarkar
C
C
Andrade
B
B
Kapur
P
P
Das
Y
Y
Sivaramakrishna
C
C
Harihar
A
A
Pandey
A
A
Anand
M S
MS
Dharmendra
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006220:Haloperidol