Abstract
Fifteen chronic geriatric female patients aged 67 to 92 years were included in a twelve week uncontrolled study to test the efficacy of a thioradazine and nicotinic acid combination in the treatment of psychiatric ailments in the elderly. Doses ranged from 300 mg of nicotinic acid and 25 mg of thioridazine to 1500 mg of nicotinic acid and 75 mg of thioridazine daily. Each patient was regularly assessed on a number of psychiatric rating scales and a battery of psychometric tests. Routine haematological and biochemical tests were performed.
The combined treatment brought about improvement in symptoms of emotional withdrawal, conceptual disorganisation and uncooperativeness, and preoccupation with self. Symptoms of somatic concern, irritability and autonomic reactions deteriorated. Improvement in the performance of certain psychometric test procedures was observed. Numerous adverse reactions including two cases of severe leucopenia occurred.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.