title: Long-term administration of the low-dose risperidone in schizotaxia subjects.
abstract: The term schizotaxia is currently defined as a syndrome of neuropsychological deficits and negative symptoms found in relatives of schizophrenic patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of long-term treatment with the low-dose risperidone on cognitive and social functioning in seven schizotaxia patients. There were four males and three females, aged between 17 and 44 years, first-degree (four patients) or second-degree (three patients) relatives of schizophrenic patients. Schizotaxia was recognized in them on account of neuropsychological and social function impairment. They all consented to risperidone administration, 1-2 mg/day. Duration of risperidone treatment has ranged between 3-7 years. In all subjects, the continuous treatment with risperidone brought about a marked improvement in their cognitive, social, and vocational functioning. Neuropsychological testing after 6-24 months showed significant improvement on such tests as Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Trail Making Test (TMT), and Stroop Test. Discontinuation of treatment after 3-4 years did not cause deterioration of functioning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland. rybakows@wlkp.top.pl
authors.forename: Janusz K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Rybakowski
authors.forename: Wiktor
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Drozdz
authors.forename: Alina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Borkowska
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D018967:Risperidone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012569:Schizotypal Personality Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D012919:Social Behavior
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D018967:Risperidone