Medication and Treatment of Schizophrenia in Persons with Mental Retardation.

Author(s)

Frank J. Menolascino
James Wilson
Charles J. Golden, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Stephen L. Ruedrich

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1986

Publication Title

Mental Retardation

Volume

24

Issue/Number

5

First Page

277

ISSN

0047-6765

Last Page

283

Abstract/Excerpt

Examined the efficacy of 2 psychoactive agents, Navane (thiothixene [TTX; maximum dosage 80 mg]) and Mellaril (thioridazine [TDZ; maximum dosage 800 mg]), in the treatment of schizophrenia in 45 patients (aged 18–60 yrs) with and without mental retardation. Results from rater-blind comparison of the treatment group reactions to the TTX and TDZ show that both agents were effective. Mean dosage level required of each drug was less for Ss with mental retardation than for those without. Mean time to therapeutic effect in the mentally retarded Ss was 12 days with TTX and 28.8 days with TDZ. Findings suggest that the higher incidence of sedative effects with TDZ may further adversely affect the learning potentials of schizophrenic individuals with mental retardation. It is concluded that further study, particularly with regard to optimal dosage levels for individuals with mental retardation and schizophrenia, is warranted. (16 ref)

NSUWorks Citation

Menolascino, F. J., Wilson, J., Golden, C. J., Ruedrich, S. L. (1986). Medication and Treatment of Schizophrenia in Persons with Mental Retardation.. Mental Retardation, 24(5), 277-283.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/742