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Bromocriptine improves digit symbol substitution test scores in neuroleptic-treated chronic schizophrenic patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

C de Beaurepaire ,
R de Beaurepaire ,
M Cleau  and
Ρ Borenstein
C de Beaurepaire
Affiliation:
CHS de villejuif, 54 avenue de la République, 94800villejuif
R de Beaurepaire
Affiliation:
CHS du Bon-Sauveur, 93, rue Caponière, 14012Caen, France
M Cleau
Affiliation:
CHS de villejuif, 54 avenue de la République, 94800villejuif
Ρ Borenstein
Affiliation:
CHS de villejuif, 54 avenue de la République, 94800villejuif
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Summary

The cognitive effects of bromocriptine (10 mg/day) in chronic neuroleptic-treated schizophrenic patients were studied in a 4-month trial. Ten neuropsychological variables were used for the evaluations. Nine patients and seven controls completed the study. They were tested three times: before the beginning of the study, and after 2 and 4 months of treatment. The results showed that treated patients globally performed significantly better than the controls (P < 0.05), and that the digit symbol substitution test was significantly improved (P < 0.03). The WAIS performance score was also significantly improved (P < 0.02). The picture arrangement test was improved, but did not reach significance (P < 0.07). Verbal tests were not improved. It therefore appears that addition of a D2 dopamine agonist in neuroleptic-treated patients can improve some of their cognitive functions. Two explanations can be proposed: i) bromocriptine decreases neuroleptic-induced motor side effects or ii) has an effect on a putative hypodopaminergic function in schizophrenia.

Keywords

bromocriptinedopamineneurolepticsschizophreniaside-effectsneuropsychology
Type
Origianl article
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 8 , Issue 2 , 1993 , pp. 89 - 93
Copyright
Copyright © Elsevier, Paris 1993

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