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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2005, 07, 4 (pages: 31 - 42)

Psychopathological disorders in heroin addicts and administration of risperidone during rehabilitation

Kozlov A. A., Dorovskih I. V., Doljanskaia N. A., Buzina T. S., Polunina A. G.

Summary: The topic of the present study is the clinical picture of psychopathological symptoms during post-withdrawal periods in heroin addicts. Craving symptoms can be compared to productive psychopathological symptoms, and their intensity usually corresponds to the severity of depressive disorders in heroin ex-addicts. Risperidone is therefore a preferred choice for craving control when opiate maintenance therapy is unavailable (as it is currently in Russia). This antipsychotic showed its effectiveness and safety during prolonged anti-relapse therapy in the out-patient treatment of heroin addicts.