[Neuroleptic treatment and neurological soft signs in schizophrenic patients].
OBJECTIVE
To appreciate the impact of the neuroleptic treatment on the neurological soft signs (NSS) in schizophrenic patients and to examine their relation with the treatment response based on the level of CGI-improvement.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study bearing on 66 schizophrenic patients: untreated patients (N = 13) and treated patients (N = 53). All patients were assessed by the Krebs et al. Neurological Soft Signs Scale and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI).


RESULTS
No difference has been noted concerning the NSS total score between treated and untreated schizophrenic patients. Concerning the NSS sub-scores, we have noted a significantly difference in the sensory integration sub-score. In treated patients, no correlation was found between NSS and daily dosage or duration of exposure of neuroleptic treatment, extrapyramidal symptoms and level of CGI-improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
The excess of NSS in schizophrenic patients is independent of the neuroleptic treatment, suggesting that NSS represent a neurodevelopmental risk factor for schizophrenia.
Mechri
Anwar
A
Laboratoire de recherche Vulnérabilité aux psychoses, Service de Psychiatrie, hôpital universitaire de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisie. anwar_mec@yahoo.fr
Slama
Héla
H
Chebel
Sabeur
S
Mandhouj
Olfa
O
Gaha
Lotfi
L
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003024:Clozapine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D010546:Perphenazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018967:Risperidone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010546:Perphenazine; D003024:Clozapine; D006220:Haloperidol; D018967:Risperidone