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Effectiveness of Zuclopenthixol Compared with Haloperidol in the Treatment of Behavioural Disturbances in Learning Disabled Patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Ulrik F. Malt*
Affiliation:
University of Oslo, Department of Psychosomatic and Behavioural Medicine, National Hospital, N-0027 Oslo
Roy Nystad
Affiliation:
Adult Habilitation Unit, Department of Neurology, Ullevål Hospital, N-0407 Oslo
Torkel Bache
Affiliation:
åkershagan Central Institution for the Mentally Retarded, N-2312 Ottestad
Ole Noren
Affiliation:
åkershagan Central Institution for the Mentally Retarded, N-2312 Ottestad
Mary Sjaastad
Affiliation:
åkershagan Central Institution for the Mentally Retarded, N-2312 Ottestad
Knut Ove Solberg
Affiliation:
Adult Habilitation Unit, Department of Neurology, Ullevål Hospital, N-0407 Oslo
Sverre T⊘nseth
Affiliation:
åkershagan Central Institution for the Mentally Retarded, N-2312 Ottestad
Peter Zachariassen
Affiliation:
åkershagan Central Institution for the Mentally Retarded, N-2312 Ottestad
Eli Mæhlum
Affiliation:
Lundbeck Ltd, N-1301 Sandvika, Norway
*
Professor Malt, Department of Psychosomatic and Behavioural Medicine, National Hospital, N-0027 Oslo, Norway

Abstract

Background

We compared the efficacy of two neuroleptics with different receptor profiles (zuclopenthixol and haloperidol) in learning disabled patients with behavioural disturbance.

Method

A double-blind crossover study (2×8 weeks; n = 34), interrupted by a two-week single-blind washout period, was employed. Assessments included the Schedule for Handicaps, Behaviour, and Skills (SHBS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI).

Results

The SHBS score was significantly reduced for the zuclopenthixol cohort only. End-point analysis between the two drugs also showed an enhanced effect for zuclopenthixol over haloperidol. CGI scores did not reveal significant differences between the two drugs.

Conclusion

Zuclopenthixol may be superior to haloperidol for the treatment of behavioural disturbances in mentally retarded subjects.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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