Therapeutic efficacy of flupenthixol decanoate in schizoaffective disorder: a clinical evaluation

Abstract

The present open study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and side-effects of flupenthixol, a thioxanthene derivative in the treatment of schizoaffective psychosis. A total of twenty in-patients, selected according to specific research criteria were treated with flupenthixol (20 mg to 60 mg i.m. q.2.weeks) for a period of 6 months. During the course of the study, a detailed battery of psychiatric rating scales was completed prior to the commencement of the treatment and at regular intervals thereafter. Additionally, detailed physical examinations and laboratory tests were also carried out at regular intervals. Results show that fifteen patients improved significantly, two patients remained unchanged while three patients deteriorated and were discontinued. Adverse effects were minimal and limited to tremor and akathisia. The present study highlights the usefulness of flupenthixol as a monotherapy in the management of schizoaffective psychosis.