TREATMENT OF CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENICS WITH LIOTHYRONINE (L-TRIIODOTHYRONINE)
E. J. TOLAN M.D.1,
B. KOVITZ M.D.2, , and
LOWELL DILLON M.D.3
1 Resident Psychiatrist, Columbus State Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
2 Clinical Director, Columbus State Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
3 Superintendent, Columbus State Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
Half of the group of 24 showed temporary changes. These changes were maximal at the peak doses, either in the direction of decreased depression and withdrawal (8 cases) or increased restlessness and tension (4 cases). These changes were not lasting, and as the medication was decreased, the group as a whole returned to its original level. The temporary periods of improvement occurred in a peculiar cyclic pattern, lasting from a few days to a few weeks at a time.
In higher doses the drug was accompanied by changes in the mood and activity of chronic schizophrenic patients, but did not bring about a lasting or dependable improvement in psychiatric status or hospital adjustment. The use of liothyronine in psychiatric disorders must still be considered in experimental stage.
