Neuroleptic withdrawal in chronic schizophrenia: CT and endocrine variables relating to psychopathology

The psychopathology of 36 chronic, schizophrenic patients who had been on maintenance neuroleptics was rated during neuroleptic therapy and after 12 days of neuroleptic withdrawal. At both times, hormonal serum levels were also determined. Moreover, in 27 of these patients, ventricle-brain ratio, maximal width of the third ventricle, and sulcal widening were measured on computed tomography (CT). Neuroleptic withdrawal resulted in individually different psychopathological changes: 7 patients improved, 11 worsened. Within the whole group, thought disorder deteriorated, and anergia improved. Levels of cortisol and beta-endorphin increased; those of prolactin and norepinephrine decreased. The majority of patients showed ventricular enlargement, which was marginally related to reduced thought disorder. CT and endocrine variables were slightly related to psychopathology or psychopathological effects of neuroleptic withdrawal.