Effectiveness of zuclopenthixol compared with haloperidol in the treatment of behavioural disturbances in learning disabled patients

Br J Psychiatry. 1995 Mar;166(3):374-7. doi: 10.1192/bjp.166.3.374.

Abstract

Background: We compared the efficacy of two neuroleptics with different receptor profiles (zuclopenthixol and haloperidol) in learning disabled patients with behavioural disturbance.

Method: A double-blind crossover study (2 x 8 weeks; n = 34), interrupted by a two-week single-blind washout period, was employed. Assessments included the Schedule for Handicaps, Behaviour, and Skills (SHBS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI).

Results: The SHBS score was significantly reduced for the zuclopenthixol cohort only. End-point analysis between the two drugs also showed an enhanced effect for zuclopenthixol over haloperidol. CGI scores did not reveal significant differences between the two drugs.

Conclusion: Zuclopenthixol may be superior to haloperidol for the treatment of behavioural disturbances in mentally retarded subjects.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Clopenthixol / adverse effects
  • Clopenthixol / therapeutic use*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Haloperidol / adverse effects
  • Haloperidol / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / drug therapy*
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology
  • Learning Disabilities / drug therapy*
  • Learning Disabilities / psychology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Social Behavior Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Social Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Clopenthixol
  • Haloperidol