NEW SCHIZOPHRENIA DRUG TESTS BEGIN AT U MOOD DISORDERS CLINIC

The Mood Disorders Clinic in the University of Utah medical school's Department of Psychiatry is beginning patient trials of a new medication for the treatment of schizophrenia. The drug, Resperidone, is being tested at the University of Utah and Veterans Administration medical centers for its efficacy in reducing or relieving some of the symptoms suffered by schizophrenics: delusions, hallucinations, lack of motivation, sadness and inability to experience pleasure. It also will be monitored to see if it produces fewer side effects than medications currently in use, especially muscular side effects such as tremors or muscular rigidity.