THREE CASES OF SCHIZOPHRENIA TREATED WITH L-DOPA

Abstract

In three cases of schizophrenia, ill for three-six years with no sign of remission under various psychopharmacotherapies, L-Dopa was used with the major tranquilizers which had previously been used. Subsequently, remarkable recovery was noted. The tentative dosage of L-Dopa in this research was 400-1200 mg per day. Hallucination and thought disorder had disappeared as well as apathy and lack of spontaneity. In one case, upon the suspension of L-Dopa, the patient's symptoms exacerbated. Continuous administration of L-Dopa is necessary for the improvement of the symptoms.