INFLUENCE OF FUNCTIONAL ASYMMETRY ON TREATMENT OF ENDOGENOUS AFFECTIVE DISORDERS

Abstract

Despite the fact that differences in psychopathology in patients with various types of phenotypic asymmetry are becoming increasingly apparent from many studies, its influence on the efficacy and side effects of therapy remains extremely poor studied. Materials and methods: 100 patients with endogenous affective disorders were studied. The individual functional asymmetry profile was determined for each patient and the effectiveness of the pharmacotherapy was evaluated. Results: Patients with a mixed asymmetry profile are more likely than others to escalate the condition amid treatment, are more likely to need augmentation of antidepressants by neuroleptics, have more relapses a year and are prone to longer hospitalizations. Left-handed patients are significantly more likely than other patients reviled side effects of therapy. Findings: A differentiated approach to the treatment of endogenous affective disorders is needed, according to differences in phenotypic functional asymmetry.