Short-term effect of thioridazine tablets versus suspension on emotionally disturbed/retarded children.

A 10-week study was conducted in four phases comparing the short-term efficacy of thioridazine tablets and thioridazine suspension for decreasing severe behavioral symptoms of psychotic retarded children. Behavioral observations were conducted in the classroom before and after medication, both during structured activity and during free play. Thioridazine was dispensed in phases I and III in tablet form and in phases II and IV in suspension, in the same amount of milligrams per subject throughout all four phases. Across all four phases the difference between the effects of thioridazine tablet and suspension was nonsignificant. On short-term observation both forms of thioridazine proved to be effective in reducing aggression, disruptive tantrumming, self-abuse, stereotype self-stimulation, and pica eating. The cumulative average symptom reduction was 27.4% within 35 minutes following medication intake.