The use of reserpine in an acute psychiatric treatment setting.

Abstract

Increasing attention is being given to the utilization of reserpine in the management and treatment of psychiatric disorders. This most potent single alkaloid derivative of the Indian plant Rauwolfia serpentina has been reported to be of value in the therapeutic approach to acute and chronic schizophrenia, depressed states, anxiety symptoms, agitation, obsessive thinking, disturbed behavior patterns associated with mental deficiency, toxic states, and chronic organic brain syndromes.* The description of such applicability in this heterogeneous group of disorders merits repeated observation and study before conclusions concerning the efficacy of reserpine can be made. In this brief communication, experiences with the use of the drug under the conditions of an acute psychiatric treatment center will be described. THE PATIENT POPULATION In the acute psychiatric treatment setting patients are hospitalized because of relatively acute psychiatric disorders, or acute exacerbations of more chronic psychiatric illnesses. The majority of such cases are of acute