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.
Sarkar
P
P
Department of Psychiatry, Command Hospital, Air Force, India.
Andrade
C
C
Kapur
B
B
Das
P
P
Sivaramakrishna
Y
Y
Harihar
C
C
Pandey
A
A
Anand
A
A
Dharmendra
M S
MS
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