Effects of Long-Term Neuroleptic Use on Brain Density

Mean density values of the brain in four quadrants were determined for a sample of 16 chronic schizophrenic patients who had received between 0 and 3,000 grams of lifetime neuroleptics. Significant correlations were found between the measures of density in the posterior quadrants of both hemispheres and total lifetime medication usage. Correlations with anterior density were insignificant. Corrections for age and current severity of the disorder (as measured by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) did not alter the significant finding. Possible explanations for the results are discussed as well as their possible implications.