Perceptual Challenge to Measure Illness and Therapy
AMEDEO S. MARRAZZI M.D.1,
SHARON WOODRUFF M.D.2, , and
DENIS KENNEDY M.D.3
1 Professor of Psychiatry and Neuropharmacology and Chief of Neuropharmacology, University of Missouri Institute of Psychiatry, 5400 Arsenal St., St. Louis, Mo. 63139
2 Acting Chief of Neurology, University of Missouri Institute of Psychiatry, 5400 Arsenal St., St. Louis, Mo. 63139
3 Research Resident, University of Missouri Institute of Psychiatry, 5400 Arsenal St., St. Louis, Mo. 63139
The dissociation produced in the auditory modality by a challenge with LSD can be quantitated by an instrumental perception test. Chlorpromazine can protect against this dissociation, and its efficacy can be measured by changes in auditory perception. The author describes this quantitative instrumental procedure. which is being developed into a "clinical yardstick" to measure dissociative mental dysfunction and illness, its intensity, and its response to therapy.
