Pharmacotherapy and Community Psychiatric Practice
H. G. WHITTINGTON M.D.1,
RORRY ZAHOUREK R.N., M.S.2, , and
LESLIE GREY M.D.3
1 Director, division of psychiatric services, Department of Health and Hospitals, West Sixth Ave. and Cherokee St., Denver, Colo. 80204
2 Research psychiatric nurse, division of psychiatric services, division of psychiatric services, Department of Health and Hospitals, West Sixth Ave. and Cherokee St., Denver, Colo. 80204
3 Private practice
Thirty-two outpatients at a community mental health center were treated in a double-blind study using thioridazine and a placebo. The target symptom of anxiety was observed and measured prior to treatment and at weekly interviews for four weeks. It was found that treatment with thioridazine, compared to placebo, produced reduction of anxiety and increased motivation to remain in treatment and follow through with treatment recommendations. The authors stress the implications of their findings for community psychiatric practice.
