Abstract
The effect of thiothixene, a thioxanthene derivate, on the somatosensory evoked response was studied in a group of 9 chronic schizophrenic patients. It was found that the drug induces significant changes in the latency and amplitude of the SEP, predominantly in the later peaks. The latency of several peaks increased markedly in the first three weeks of treatment (during the low dosage period), whereas a further latency increase in the high dosage treatment period was only slight. After the discontinuation of drug administration a decrease in latency was observed. The amplitude revealed itself to be a sensitive indicator of the drug effect on the central nervous system, as the decrease in amplitude which occurred during the low dosage drug period ceased during high dosage treatment, indicating an adaptation effect on the patient population. In the post-treatment placebo period the amplitude increased, suggesting a rebound phenomenon. Schizophrenics who exhibited a marked latency increase in evoked response with thiothixene treatment, also experienced an improvement in psychopathology, whereas patients showing only a small latency increase, or even a decrease, revealed themselves as psychopathologically therapy resistant. It was found that thiothixene also produced significant EEG changes, determined by analog power spectrum and period analysis. During the drug treatment periods an increase in theta and alpha activity and a decrease in beta activity was observed. As in the SEP, eight weeks after discontinuation of the drug a rebound phenomenon was seen.
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Saletu, B., Saletu, M., Itil, T. et al. Somatosensory evoked potential changes during thiothixene treatment in schizophrenic patients. Psychopharmacologia 20, 242–252 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00402100
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00402100