Long-term administration of the low-dose risperidone in schizotaxia subjects

The term schizotaxia is currently defined as a syndrome of neuropsychological deficits and negative symptoms found in relatives of schizophrenic patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of long‐term treatment with the low‐dose risperidone on cognitive and social functioning in seven schizotaxia patients. There were four males and three females, aged between 17 and 44 years, first‐degree (four patients) or second‐degree (three patients) relatives of schizophrenic patients. Schizotaxia was recognized in them on account of neuropsychological and social function impairment. They all consented to risperidone administration, 1–2 mg/day. Duration of risperidone treatment has ranged between 3–7 years. In all subjects, the continuous treatment with risperidone brought about a marked improvement in their cognitive, social, and vocational functioning. Neuropsychological testing after 6–24 months showed significant improvement on such tests as Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Trail Making Test (TMT), and Stroop Test. Discontinuation of treatment after 3–4 years did not cause deterioration of functioning. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.