The Staccato Syndrome: A New Clinical Entity in Search of Recognition
LEON TEC M.D.1
1 Medical Director, the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center, 74 Newtown Ave., Norwalk, Conn. 06851
The author has observed a new clinical entity, the "Staccato syndrome," in connection with teen-age drug abuse. The symptoms resemble schizophrenia except that relationships with peers are maintained. The syndrome is characterized by abrupt staccato behavior and a disconnected and discontinuous affect. A combination of highly structured, reality-oriented psychotherapy and proper medication is effective in treating this syndrome.
