Acute and longer-term effects of risperidone in a case of first-episode catatonic schizophrenia

This case report documents the response of a young, first-episode, neuroleptic naive male with severe catatonic schizophrenia to the novel antipsychotic, risperidone. Initial assessments included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scales, Global Assessment of Function and the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale. These were repeated at discharge from hospital and during a 3.5 year outpatient follow-up. Neuroimaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and single photon emission tomography) along with electroencephalogram and laboratory examinations were completed. Response to risperidone was prompt, dramatic and sustained over the follow-up period. Possible neurochemical brain mechanisms resulting in catatonia and the role of serotonin/dopamine antagonists such as risperidone are discussed. No other literature on the effect of risperidone in the treatment of severe catatonic schizophrenia in a first-episode patient has been reported.