The authors studied 44 acutely decompensated, hospitalized schizophrenic
patients who were placed on a double-blind basis for 10 days in three
treatment groups: patients given high, moderate, and standard doses of
haloperidol. To assess changes in the patients' concentration, abstract
thinking, and ability to respond appropriately they administered two
clinical rating scales and three psychological tests. Patients in all three
treatment groups showed similar and significant improvements according to
both clinical and psychological ratings after haloperidol administration.
Normal control subjects showed no change in psychological test scores over
time. The authors conclude that brief treatment with neuroleptics produces
measurable improvement in schizophrenic thinking.Abstract Teaser