Abstract
A small study was carried out to compare the clinical effects of the two butyrophenone compounds, triperidol and haloanisone to those of trifluoperazine, in a population of chronically hospitalized long-term schizophrenics in a closed ward setting. Twenty-seven patients were randomly assigned to one of the three compounds, and treated for a twelve-week period under double-blind conditions.
Observations with a modified PRP rating scale, based on ward nurses' monthly ratings, revealed an over-all improvement after one month of treatment, but differences between the three drugs were not apparent and the over-all decrease of this PRP morbidity score was not sustained in subsequent ratings.
Psychiatrist's ratings on the IMPS revealed several symptom-factor differences with treatment. Between-drug differences on these factors were apparent. They are discussed in terms of the possible differences in type of drug action which they may reflect.
The incidence of parkinsonistic side effects with each drug is presented. In no case did the side effects prevent continued treatment with the compound.