HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS Psychiatric Bulletin Advances in Psychiatric Treatment All RCPsych Journals		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit an eLetter Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via CrossRef Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Broadhurst, A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Broadhurst, A.

Experimental Studies of the Mental Speed of Schizophrenics

I. Effects of a Stimulant and a Depressant Drug

Springfield Hospital, Upper Tooting

ABSTRACT

The effects of a central depressant, sodium amytal, and a central excitant, dexamphetamine sulphate, on speed of mental functioning in schizophrenics, were investigated. Twenty-three schizophrenics and seven normals were given the Nufferno Speed tests on three consecutive days. Fifteen patients were given 6 gr. sodium amytal prior to testing on the second day. Similarly, sixteen schizophrenic patients and seven normals were given the Nufferno Speed tests on three consecutive days. Eight of the patients took 10 mg. dexamphetamine sulphate prior to testing on the second day. Expectations that the depressant drug would increase schizophrenic mental speed and the stimulant decrease speed in these patients, were not confirmed. An improvement in speed scores from day to day was the most consistent finding with both drugs, and is attributable to practice.

The implications of the lack of drug effect are discussed and the need for repetition of experimental work is stressed.