To evalute men change in PANSS positive subscale in patients hospitalized for active psychosis treated with oral risperidone.

Observational retrospective study conducted at Acuted Unit Care, in 24 patients hospitalized with active psychosis treated with Risperidone. Patients were evaluated basal, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, and 7 days after the initial dose of risperidone, and at discharge. Efficacy was assessed using PANSS positive subscale. Dose of risperidone, use of other antipsychotic, benzodiacepines, anticholinergic drugs, and medication previous to hospitalization were recorded.

At 24 hours, PANSS mean score decreased by 17,4% and a reduction of 45,9% was observed at discharge.

During the first 24 hours, the items that showed the largest decrease were Hostility (from 6,4 to 4,3) and Excitement (from 6,2 to 4,3).

Mean dose of risperidone during the first week was 15,1 mgs / 24 hour. No other antipsychotic medication was used. Benzodiacepines were used in 79,2% of patients. Anticholinergic medication was used just in 1 patient. The mean number of days in institutional care was 12,8 days.

High doses of risperidone are able to achieve significant reduction in PANSS positive score whit a minimal incidence of adverse events. These results suggest that oral risperidone is effective and well tolerated in treating acute agitation and active psychosis.