2006 Volume 3 Pages 24-28
Aims : A number of harmful effects have previously been identified for antipsychotic polypharmacy. In this study, we examined the influence of antipsychotic polypharmacy on subtle motor function (neurological signs), considered an aspect of cognitive function, in schizophrenic patients.
Subjects and Methods : We describe a study of 73 DSM-III-R or DSM-IV schizophrenic patients (36 polypharmacy group, 20 new antipsychotic monotherapy group, 17 drug-naïve group), with a structured neurological examination (neurological signs). They had no histories of neurological disorders, drug abuse, alcoholism, and electroconvulsive therapy. They did not manifest parkinsonism symptoms such as tremor and rigidity. Informed consent was obtained from all patients.
Results : No significant differences were seen between groups in sensory integration signs and primitive reflexes. Total scores and scores for sequencing of complex motor acts were significantly higher in the polypharmacy group than in the new antipsychotic monotherapy group and the drug-naïve group.
Conclusions : Antipsychotic polypharmacy adversely affects subtle motor function, and may also impair quality of life, in schizophrenic patients.
