Pharmacopsychiatry 2005; 38 - A027
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-918649

The effects of amisulpride, quetiapine and haloperidol on psychomotor functions related to car driving skills and driving simulator performance in schizophrenic patients

A Brunnauer 1, E Geiger 1, G Laux 1
  • 1Bezirksklinikum Gabersee, Wasserburg

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of amisulpride, quetiapine and haloperidol on psychomotor functions related to driving ability and simulated driving performance in schizophrenic patients. Method: Prior before discharge to outpatient treatment schizophrenic patients (n=47) were evaluated on different psychomotor domains according to the German guidelines for road and traffic safety (Begutachtungs-Leitlinien zur Kraftfahrereignung). Data were analyzed according to medication, controlling for severity of illness and age. Results: Before discharge to outpatient treatment about 20% of patients must be considered as severely impaired with respect to driving ability. In 30% of cases it seems justified to counsel patients individually. Our findings verify that there was an advantage of patients treated with amisulpride or quetiapine when compared with haloperidol. Differences were most evident in measures of stress tolerance, selective attention and vigilance. Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that amisulpride and quetiapine have a clear advantage on skills related to driving ability and driving simulator performance when compared with haloperidol. The great variability within treatment groups indicates that patients must be counseled individually with respect to driving ability.