Medicated chronic schizophrenic patients do not demonstrate left turning asymmetry

Neuropsychobiology. 1997;36(1):22-4. doi: 10.1159/000119355.

Abstract

Twenty-seven medicated chronic schizophrenic female patients were tested for right or left turning behavior. No substantial right or left asymmetry was found, nor did the addition of the indirect dopaminergic agonist amantadine influence these results. Previous studies demonstrated left circling preference in chronic unmedicated schizophrenics and it seems that this previous finding is abolished by neuroleptic treatment. However, our patients were all females and further research with a heterogenous group of schizophrenic patients is needed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amantadine*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Dominance, Cerebral / drug effects*
  • Dominance, Cerebral / physiology
  • Dopamine Agents*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Stereotyped Behavior / drug effects*
  • Stereotyped Behavior / physiology

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Dopamine Agents
  • Amantadine