Interdisciplinary Research in the Use of Oral Pentylenetetrazol (Metrazol) in the Emotional Disorders of the Aged. Studies in Gerontologic Human Relations. V.††

Pentylenetetrazol With Nicotinic Acid in the Management of Chronic Brain Syndrome

“…The results in our patients were evaluated solely on the basis of clinical judgment. Sophisticated studies (4–6) involving complex testing procedures which are often too complicated for senile patients, commonly yield inconclusive results. The tests frequently reveal few, if any, meaningful changes, whereas the persons caring for the patients have observed improvement in many discrete areas of behavior.…”

Drug Therapy With or Without Group Discussion: Effects of Various Regimens on the Behavior of Geriatric Patients in a Mental Hospital

“…The solution to this puzzle, as far as the present study may throw light on it, is possibly linked up with the answer to the question of how to account for the definitely better results in the drug‐ and ‐discussion groups than in the drug‐alone groups. As early as 1956 Linden, Courtney and Howland (19) suspected the treatment limitations of Metrazol alone in geriatric cases. They stated: “The recommendation is made that the use of this drug always be supplemented by a psychotherapeutically fertile program.” More recently, speaking of the place of drugs in the therapy of the geriatric patient, Leeds and Shore (2) state: “… they must never be considered as the final technique in treatment—they are a means, not an end, in themselves … group, occupational and recreational therapies, music, intensive social case work, work with the family, out‐patient placement, room reassignment, involvement in various forms of activity and responsibility, however limited—all these and other resources can be employed.” Writing more specifically about the socially rehabilitative value of group work and recreation, they say: “A good institutional program will provide psychological as well as physical care.…”

The Confused Geriatric Patient*

“…Pentylenetetrazol (Metrazol) in oral form, with or without vitamins, has been given to confused geriatric patients since 1953 [Levy (1)]. Linden and coworkers (2) in 1956 observed improvement in the confusion and memory defects of geriatric patients in about 30 per cent of the cases. The patients became more alert, could think more clearly, were better oriented, and had better interpersonal relationships.…”