Antipsychotic medications may cause loss of brain matter in schizophrenic patients

By Staff Writer

People with schizophrenia are often prescribed antipsychotic medications as part of their treatment. However, new research suggests that these drugs may cause the loss of a measurable amount of brain tissue over time.

The study, which is published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry, features 211 patients with the condition who underwent repeated neuroimaging beginning soon after their illness was diagnosed. The participants had an average of three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans over about seven years. They were assessed for signs of changes in brain volume, including illness duration, antipsychotic treatment, illness severity and substance abuse.

The results show that participants who were followed for longer periods of time had greater reductions of brain volume. Also, antipsychotic treatment was linked to brain tissue reduction in gray and white matter. Additionally, illness severity and substance abuse showed little effect.

The researchers concluded that more studies ought to be conducted on the effects of antipsychotic medications, particularly on those who do not have schizophrenia, such as children, older adults and patients with bipolar or depressive disorders.