A Double-Blind Controlled Comparison of the Effects of Chlorpromazine, Barbiturate and a Placebo in 142 Chronic Psychotic In-Patients

Abstract

Since the original article by Elkes and Elkes (1954) numerous reports have been published in the world literature on the use of chlorpromazine in chronic psychotic in-patients. The majority of these studies indicate that the drug is indeed effective in improving the behaviour of these patients; a small minority of authors is more sceptical including Mitchell (1956) using doses up to 300 mg. daily, Sarwer-Foner and Ogle (1956) with doses of 150–400 mg. daily, and Trelles and Saavedra (1954) using sleep treatment. The literature contains numerous reports of controlled and uncontrolled studies on chlorpromazine and comparisons of its effects with those of a placebo, Reserpine, Azacyclonal, etc.; attention is now turning to the effects of such drugs in various combinations.