POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS IN CHRONIC-SCHIZOPHRENICS IN A 12-MONTHS FOLLOW-UP UNDER MAINTENANCE THERAPY WITH FLUPENTIXOL-DECANOATE

62 chronic schizophrenics, who after a psychotic exacerbation were sta bilized again, were randomized on 3 different maintenance dosages of f lupentixol-decanoate and observed for 12 months. 15 (24,2%) patients h ad a relapse independently of the dose. 34 of the 47 patients without relapse had complete documentations of the follow-up. After 3 to 6 mon ths there was an obvious and constant clinical improvement as assessed by various test inventories. The BPRS-scores for psychopathology, neg ative and positive symptoms improved significantly between 14 to 18%. There was also significant reduction of negative symptoms assessed by SANS (22%) as well in the severity of illness (CGI) and an amelioratio n of psychosocial functioning (GAS, Strauss-Carpenter). At the end of trial 26,4% of the patients had mild involuntary movements (AIMS), 23, 5% were on antiparkinson-medication. It is concluded that there could he an indication for flupentixol-decanoate in the long term maintenanc e therapy especially of chronic schizophrenics with negative symptoms and problems of compliance under oral medication.