Comparing the effects of pimozide and placebo in a single case experiment

A single case experiment as suggested by Edgington (1980) was carried out to answer the difficult question whether the continuation of treatment with neuroleptics was appropriate for a patient who still suffered from paranoia after inpatient treatment and continuous two-year administration of neuroleptics thereafter. A 24-weeks' experiment was arranged with the patient which was carried out under double-blind conditions. The experiment was planned in a way that it could be analysed with the help of a randomisation test. Physician's and patient's global ratings concerning the patient's condition and drug side effects were assessed weekly. In addition, psychopathological symptoms were measured by the Simpson-scale. Every week, the patient described her emotional state with the help of the Adjective Check List by Janke. Following the results of the experiment, medication was discontinued. This resulted in a distinct reduction of her complaints during a follow-up period of now 2 years. Although conducting single case experiments seems to be desirable for adequate problems, there are only few possibilities for practical application because of difficulties with planning and execution.