Double-blind comparison of risperidone to haloperidol in the treatment of senile schizophrenia

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of risperidone in the treatment of senile schizophrenia. Method:It was a eight-week, randomized,double-blind comparison of risperidone versus haloperidol in 62 senile inpatients.Clinical efficacy was determined by using the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS).The adverse events were assessed with the treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS) and Sampson extrapyramidal side effects scale. Results:In both groups,there were significant differences in the total scores and subscale scores of PANSS,and no significant differences were found in the total scores and subscale scores and general psychopathology factor scores of PANSS at the end of 1,2,4,6,8 weeks. However, risperidone improved negative symptoms two weeks earlier than haloperidol. Incidence of tremor, rigidity and decreased activities was significantly lower in risperidone group than in haloperidol group. Conclusion:It is suggested that both risperidone and haloperidol were effective and safe in the treatment of senile schizophrenia. Risperidone improves negative symptoms more quickly,while extrapyramidal side effects caused by haloperidol are heavier.