Acute treatment of Cycloid Psychosis: Study on a sample of naive hospitalized patients with First-Episode Psychosis (FEP)

Abstract

Introduction. In spite of the historic, clinical and therapeutic importance of cycloid psychosis, no controlled studies have been performed as yet on its treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy has classically been the treatment of choice and the first generation antipsychotics have not been indicated. This study has aimed to analyze the acute treatment (and response to it) of cycloid psychoses.

Methodology. In a sample of 75 hospitalized medication-naive patients treated for a First Psychotic Episode (FPE), possible cases of cycloid psychoses were detected using the Perris and Brockington operative diagnostic criteria. The sample was divided into “cycloids” and “non-cycloids” and both groups were compared based on clinical and therapeutic variables.

Results. All the patients were treated with second generation antipsychotics. No significant differences (p=0.17; t-1.39) were found in the antipsychotic dose prescribed (equivalents of chlorpromazine). However, significant differences were observed in the improvement on hospital discharge (clinical global impression severity: CGI-S), with better response in the “cycloid” group” (p=0.002; u=162). Significant differences were also observed in the dose of benzodiazepines, there being significantly greater improvement for the “cycloid” group (p>0.001; u=28).

Conclusions. Without contradicting the classical idea of the treatment of cycloid psychoses, the present study contributes to the opening of a new therapeutic prospect. Thus, the use of second generation antipsychotics could have a particularly beneficial effect, especially if combined with high doses of benzodiazepines in the acute treatment of cycloid psychoses. However, controlled studies need to be carried out to confirm this.