Long-term administration of the low-dose risperidone in schizotaxia subjects

The term schizotaxia is currently defined as a syndrome of neuropsychological deficits and negative symptoms found in relatives of schizophrenic patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of long-term treatment with the low-dose risperidone on cognitive and social functioning in seven schizotaxia patients. There were four males and three females, aged between 17 and 44 years, first-degree (four patients) or second-degree (three patients) relatives of schizophrenic patients. Schizotaxia was recognized in them on account of neuropsychological and social function impairment. They all consented to risperidone administration, 1-2 mg/day. Duration of risperidone treatment has ranged between 3-7 years. In all subjects, the continuous treatment with risperidone brought about a marked improvement in their cognitive, social, and vocational functioning. Neuropsychological testing after 6-24 months showed significant improvement on such tests as Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Trail Making Test (TMT), and Stroop Test. Discontinuation of treatment after 3-4 years did not cause deterioration of functioning.