Treatment of auditory verbal hallucinations with atypical antipsychotics in healthy individuals: an artificially controlled post-treatment report.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study was performed to investigate the effects and associated global functional connectivity density (gFCD) alterations associated with the use of atypical antipsychotics in healthy individuals with auditory verbal hallucinations (Hi-AVHs) using gFCD mapping techniques.

METHODS:

A magnetic resonance imaging database of 38 Hi-AVHs with chronic or severe AVH symptoms was generated. The Hi-AVHs were administered an atypical antipsychotic (risperidone) for 24 weeks and monitored for a treatment response. All patients underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging pre- and post-treatment.

RESULTS:

gFCD alterations were found in the auditory-memory-language and visual circuit regions pre- and post-treatment. However, gFCD alterations differed between patients with strong and weak treatment responses.

CONCLUSION:

This is the first report to show that atypical antipsychotics can improve the symptoms of AVHs and that the treatment effects are associated with gFCD alterations in the auditory-memory-language circuit. These findings provide a foundation for future exploration of new treatment strategies for Hi-AVHs.

• Authors: Peiwei Shan, Chuanjun Zhuo, Xiaoyan Ma, Hong Sang, Baoliang Zhong, Xiaodong Lin, Feng Ji, Min Chen, Hongjun Tian, Yanling Zhao, Jianshe Pan
• Journal: The Journal of international medical research (J Int Med Res) Vol. 48 Issue 4 Pg. 300060519875830 (Apr 2020) ISSN: 1473-2300 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 31891287 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antipsychotic Agents

Topics

• Antipsychotic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Hallucinations (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Language
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging