The effects of antipsychotic medication on the linguistic ability of schizophrenics

Abstract

Twenty-two chronic schizophrenic patients were tested on medication, and then again in a drug-free period, and matched with a group of patients that remained on medication. The subjects' speech, in response to interview questions and Thematic Apperception Test cards, was then analyzed through a series of linguistic measures in an effort to assess the effects of neuroleptic medication on the communication ability of schizophrenics. Results indicated that the medicated patients were more verbally communicative and showed an increase in the complexity and coherence of their speech and a decrease in pathological utterances. The findings suggest that drug treatment can enhance such patients' capacity to utilize verbally oriented psychotherapy.