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D-amphetamine challenge effects on Wisconsin Card Sort Test. Performance in schizotypal personality disorder
B V Siegel1, R L Trestman, S O'Flaithbheartaigh
1Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
d-amphetamine improved cognitive deficits in schizotypal personality disorder (SPD). Patients with SPD showed better Wisconsin Card Sort performance after amphetamine challenge, suggesting potential treatment benefits for cognitive dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) is characterized by cognitive deficits.
- Cognitive dysfunction significantly impacts the quality of life for individuals with SPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of d-amphetamine on cognitive performance in patients with SPD.
- To assess the impact of amphetamine on Wisconsin Card Sort (WCST) performance and psychiatric symptoms in SPD.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted.
- Nine patients diagnosed with SPD received either 30 mg of d-amphetamine or a placebo.
- WCST performance and psychiatric symptoms were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Patients with SPD showed significant improvement in WCST performance following d-amphetamine administration.
- Improvements were particularly noted in patients who exhibited a higher number of perseverative errors.
- No significant changes in psychiatric symptoms were reported in this preliminary study.
Conclusions:
- D-amphetamine may offer a potential therapeutic avenue for addressing cognitive dysfunction in SPD.
- Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and safety of amphetamine-based interventions for SPD.
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