PIMOZIDE-INDUCED DEPRESSION IN MEN WHO STUTTER

Background: Neuroleptic-related dysphoric reactions are well recognize d in the context of psychiatric disorders, especially in association w ith extrapyramidal side effects. Very few controlled data exist regard ing the effects of neuroleptics on the mood of psychiatrically ''norma l'' subjects. In this study, the depressogenic effect of the neurolept ic drug pimozide was assessed in men without psychiatric disorders. Me thod: Eight men with developmental stuttering but no past or present p sychiatric illness participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessing the effect of 6 weeks of pimozide treatment on speech fluency and mood. Results: Four of the seven subjects who were complia nt with the treatment developed marked depressive symptoms. No clear a ssociation was found between these reactions and pimozide dose, blood level, or degree of neurologic side effects. Symptoms abated soon afte r drug discontinuation. Conclusion: Pimozide induced significant depre ssive symptoms in this group of psychiatrically normal men who stutter . Neuroleptic drugs may have a causal effect in the induction of depre ssion in psychiatrically normal subjects, ostensibly independent of do se or severity of neurologic side effects.