[Clonidine: prophylactic action in rapid cycling manic-depressive psychosis]

The authors report a study, carried on more for than three years, concerning a long lasting experimentation with Clonidine as a prophylactic way. Seven patients, with affective disorders, isolated or joined to other psychiatrical affections were concerned. For four patients, the result is conclusive, the singularity of the Norepinephrine way in the Manic-Depressive illness being confirmed. To try to explain these results the authors suggest a critical model, including the receptor alpha 2 in its qualitative and quantitative aspects, probably modified by the permanent character of the treatment. More particularly, they postulate a dose-dependent activity of Clonidine, activity which could explain the noted alpha 2 pre- and probably postsynaptic effects.