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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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Methods to Quantify Pharmacologically Induced Alterations in Motor Function in Human Incomplete SCI
Published on: April 18, 2011
Adjunctive low-dose amisulpride in motor conversion disorder
Panagiotis Oulis1, Nikolaos Kokras, George N Papadimitriou
11st Department of Psychiatry, Athens University Medical School, Eginition Hospital, 74 Vas. Sofias Ave., Athens, Greece. oulisp@med.uoa.gr
Clinical Neuropharmacology
|December 3, 2009
Summary
Low-dose amisulpride effectively treated motor conversion disorder, specifically hysterical paralysis, in a patient resistant to standard antidepressants and benzodiazepines. This suggests a novel therapeutic avenue for dopamine-related neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Motor conversion disorder, characterized by paralysis, is typically managed with antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
- Treatment resistance is a significant challenge in managing motor conversion disorder.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old female presented with daily, severe paralysis episodes lasting six months.
- Previous treatment with escitalopram and lorazepam at adequate doses proved ineffective.
Findings:
- Adjunctive low-dose amisulpride (200 mg/day) led to substantial and lasting improvement.
- This suggests amisulpride's efficacy in cases resistant to conventional therapies.
Implications:
- Low-dose amisulpride may offer a new treatment strategy for motor conversion disorder.
- The drug's action as a D2/D3 dopamine autoreceptor antagonist could normalize dopaminergic circuits implicated in motor control.
- Further research into amisulpride for hysterical paralysis and related conditions is warranted.
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