Effects of naloxone on schizophrenia: reduction in hallucinations in a subpopulation of subjects

Science. 1978 Jul 7;201(4350):73-6. doi: 10.1126/science.351804.

Abstract

Endogenous opiate-like peptides (endorphins) are putative neuroregulators located throughout the mammalian brainstem. There is some evidence for their role in pain, stress, and affect. We report that the opiate antagonist, naloxone, alters some schizophrenic symptoms. In a double-blind, cross-over study, naloxone produced decreases in auditory hallucinations in some schizophrenic patients. This finding supports the hypothesis that the endorphins may play a roll in modulating hallucinations in a highly selected subgroup of chronically hallucinating schizophrenic patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Endorphins / physiology
  • Hallucinations / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Naloxone / administration & dosage
  • Naloxone / therapeutic use*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology
  • Schizophrenia, Paranoid / drug therapy
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Endorphins
  • Naloxone