HEMATOPORPHYRIN TREATMENT OF SEVERE DEPRESSIONS
Abstract
1. Reports in the literature of the use of hematoporphyrin in the depressed psychoses were for the most part favorable.
2. There are by no means clear theories as to the physiological action of the drug.
3. Experiments with laboratory animals indicated a definite influence on the weight and an increased response to stimuli.
4. Laboratory studies had shown a tendency of the drug to elevate the blood count and to reduce the calcium level.
5. Fourteen patients in all were treated adequately with hematoporphyrin.
6. Two patients responded well, one of whom relapsed after a period of six weeks. The other continued to adjust on a low level.
7. Laboratory examinations failed to disclose any specific influence on the blood picture except a tendency to lowered cholesterol levels.
8. Our results do not warrant the use of this therapy in preference to any of the old armamentarium used in the treatment of depressed psychoses.
9. The use of this drug did not produce any deleterious toxic reaction.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
