TRIHEXYPHENIDYL (ARTANE) ABUSE IN SCHIZOPHRENIC-PATIENTS

Trihexyphenidyl (THP) and other anticholinergics are liable to abuse b y schizophrenic patients. Data concerning the incidence and characteri stics of the abusers are scarce. In the present study an evaluation of 214 consecutive admissions of schizophrenic patients revealed 14 THP abusers, an incidence of 6.5%. The demographic and clinical variables of the THP abusers were compared with a randomized control group of 28 schizophrenic patients using the four-dimensional factors of the BPRS (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale). No significant differences were fou nd in demographic variables and comorbidity for antisocial personality disorder and other substances abuse. On admission, a trend towards mo re negative symptoms was detected among abusers. At discharge abusers had significantly higher mean BPRS scores and higher scores on the dim ensional factor of hostile-suspiciousness. The results suggest that TH P abuse is not rare among schizophrenic patients who may abuse anticho linergic agents to relieve negative symptoms and/or drug-induced Parki nsonism, or alternatively for its non-specific stimulant effects, on a ccount of worsening of positive symptoms.