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Biomedical subjects

R G McCreadie

Publications and source records attributed to R G McCreadie.

83 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

The Nithsdale Schizophrenia survey: II. Abnormal movements.

In a review of all known schizophrenics (n = 133) from a discrete geographical area, Nithsdale in Dumfries and Galloway Region, 88 per cent were examined for evidence of tardive dyskinesia (TD) and parkinsonism. The prevalence of both TD and parkinsonism was 31 per cent. The TD group was older and more often showed negative schizophrenic symptoms than the non-TD group. The trend was towards a higher prevalence among in-patients and Feighner positive schizophrenics. Parkinsonism was common in patients receiving anti-parkinsonian drugs. Ten per cent of patients had both TD and parkinsonism. The findings will act as a baseline for regular reassessment of the population.

Adult↗

The Nithsdale schizophrenia survey: III. Handedness and tardive dyskinesia.

Handedness was assessed in 87 per cent (n = 116) of all known schizophrenics from a discrete geographical area, Nithsdale in Dumfries and Galloway Region. Seventy-three per cent were right-handed, a proportion greater than that found in a normal population. It was especially Feighner positive schizophrenics and non-in-patients who produced the excess of right-handers. Within the Feighner positive group, 68 per cent of mixed or left-handers, but only 29 per cent of right-handers, had tardive dyskinesia.

Adult↗

Intermittent pimozide versus fluphenazine decanoate as maintenance therapy in chronic schizophrenia.

In a double-blind trial, 34 male chronic schizophrenic day-patients or in-patients in a hostel ward continued on fluphenazine decanoate given mostly once fortnightly or were switched to pimozide, given on four days each week. Over nine months relapse rates were similar for both groups, and while fewer patients on pimozide were prescribed antiparkinsonian drugs one quarter developed buccolingual masticatory dyskinesia. Plasma pimozide levels suggested satisfactory drug compliance. Average plasma prolactin levels were within the normal rage for untreated men in one quarter of non-relapsing patients on pimozide and three quarters on fluphenazine.

Chronic Disease↗

High dose flupenthixol decanoate in chronic schizophrenia.

In a double-blind trial, female 'drug-resistant' chronic schizophrenic in-patients were given high dose or standard dose flupenthixol decanoate for 13 weeks. Plasma flupenthixol levels showed a five-fold interindividual variation, but were consistently higher with the high dose. Analysis of final scores showed no statistically significant differences between groups with regards to mental state, ward behaviour and extrapyramidal side-effects. When compared with pre-trial scores, the extrapyramidal side-effects worsened significantly in the high dose patients and social withdrawal decreased in the standard dose patients. The mental state of a sub-group of patients, possibly drug resistant for pharmacokinetic reasons, improved significantly on the high dose over the 13 weeks.

Adult↗

Token economy, pimozide and chronic schizophrenia.

Response to a token economy was assessed in male chronic schizophrenic in-patients who were given, in a double-blind cross-over trial, pimozide (up to 20 mg daily) or chlorpromazine )up to 1,000 mg daily), each for three months. After six months there was little change in the patients' mental state, but general ward behaviour and token-rewarded "target" behaviours improved significantly. There were no statistically significant between-drug differences, but the trend was that general ward behaviour, but not token-rewarded behaviour, improved more on pimozide. The patients who showed initiative and cooperated best with staff were those whose token-rewarded behaviour was most satisfactory.

Behavior Therapy↗

High dosage haloperidol in chronic schizophrenia.

In a double blind chlorpromazine-controlled trial, high dosage haloperidol (100 mg daily) given for three months, appreciably improved the mental state of male chronic 'drug resistant' schizophrenic inpatients in the rehabilitation/long-stay unit of one psychiatric hospital. The results of a three-month follow-up suggested that the improvement could be maintained in some patients on lower doses of the drug. Serious extrapyramidal side effects were not seen at high doses. However, the majority of patients on haloperidol showed a deterioration in ward behaviour, possibly related to drowsiness, and developed raised serum alkaline phosphatase levels. These side effects disappeared in the follow-up period when either the drug was discontinued or the dose of haloperidol reduced.

Adult↗

Trainees' competence in psychiatric case writing.

An assessment was made of 100 case records written by junior medical staff working in a psychiatric teaching hospital. Thirty-nine items were rated, and considerable gaps were found in the records. The Mental State was more poorly recorded than the History; the Formulation and Summary were more satisfactory. Possible reasons for the findings are discussed, including methodological difficulties, administrative considerations, and attitudes of junior staff. The implications for the training and assessment of junior psychiatrists are explored.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗