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The Value of Chemotherapy in Senile Mental Disturbances

The Value of Chemotherapy in Senile Mental Disturbances Eighty patients over the age of 60 and suffering from combinations of depression, restless agitation, paranoid ideation, or confusion were assigned in a prearranged sequence to five treatment conditions. Sixteen patients each were given chlorpromazine, reserpine-pipradrol, deodorized tincture of opium, or a placebo (lactose). An additional group of patients were given no special medication. Observations were made at the end of one-, two-, four-, and eight-week intervals by psychiatrists and psychologists who were uninformed about the treatment given any one patient. Anxiety decreased in both the chlorpromazine and placebo groups over the two-month period. The placebo group, however, also gained better spirits and greater spontaneity. Among the group who received no special medication, anxiety increased. No special benefit from the ataractics could be demonstrated in this study. The evidence indicates the importance of a semblance of medication and care in a geriatric ward. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png JAMA American Medical Association

The Value of Chemotherapy in Senile Mental Disturbances

JAMA , Volume 174 (16) – Dec 17, 1960

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References (2)

Publisher
American Medical Association
Copyright
Copyright © 1960 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Applicable FARS/DFARS Restrictions Apply to Government Use.
ISSN
0098-7484
eISSN
1538-3598
DOI
10.1001/jama.1960.03030160022006
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Eighty patients over the age of 60 and suffering from combinations of depression, restless agitation, paranoid ideation, or confusion were assigned in a prearranged sequence to five treatment conditions. Sixteen patients each were given chlorpromazine, reserpine-pipradrol, deodorized tincture of opium, or a placebo (lactose). An additional group of patients were given no special medication. Observations were made at the end of one-, two-, four-, and eight-week intervals by psychiatrists and psychologists who were uninformed about the treatment given any one patient. Anxiety decreased in both the chlorpromazine and placebo groups over the two-month period. The placebo group, however, also gained better spirits and greater spontaneity. Among the group who received no special medication, anxiety increased. No special benefit from the ataractics could be demonstrated in this study. The evidence indicates the importance of a semblance of medication and care in a geriatric ward.

Journal

JAMAAmerican Medical Association

Published: Dec 17, 1960

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