Psychoses from SSRIs

In an open study of 11 patients with typical borderline personality, Schulz et al. ( 253) found substantial improvement with olanzapine, particularly in psychosis, but also in anergia, hostility, and interpersonal sensitivity. Szigethy and Schulz ( 254) reported improvement in one patient whose BPRS went from 46 to 28 with risperidone. Remission of self-mutilation has also been reported in one borderline patient undergoing treatment with risperidone, as well as an SSRI, for depression (255). This patient was then able to return to a full-time job. Although one should reserve judgment until more definitive studies are completed, the more favorable side effect profile of risperidone and olanzapine suggests that these drugs may be useful when psychotic or near psychotic symptoms are present. 

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