Abstract
Antipsychotics represent the first-choice treatment for schizophrenia. However, the cognitive and emotional pathways through which symptom reduction is achieved have remained unclear. We recently proposed that the induction of doubt is a core mechanism of action of antipsychotics. In the framework of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 39 nonclinical participants filled out a questionnaire tapping into cognitive and emotional changes (Effect of Antipsychotic Medication on Emotion and Cognition-revised (EAMEC-r)) each time they had received one of three substances (haloperidol, placebo, L-dopa). Participants reported more doubt under haloperidol than under L-dopa lending support to the theory that antipsychotics decrease delusional conviction via the reduction of confidence. Key points from this study are: (a) antipsychotics induce doubt, and (b) doubt may represent a core mechanism of action for the reduction of delusional ideas.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 831-833 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Journal of Psychopharmacology |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- schizophrenia
- antipsychotics
- neuroleptics
- doubt
- confidence