Numerous studies…
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•Without exception, “before and after”
•brain scans have revealed shrinkage
•(atrophy) of the brain under the influence of
•old or new antipsychotic drugs
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•
•In some cases, patients have experienced
•a 4-9% reduction in volume in < 3 years
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•
•
•
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Over the past 20 years, numerous brain scan studies (CT and MRI) have evaluated the anatomy of patients following new exposures to antipsychotic drugs.

Without exception, study designs that have compared anatomical changes
“before” and “after” the use of these pharmaceuticals have revealed shrinkage of the brain under the influence of conventional (old) and/or newer (so-called “atypical”) drugs.

In some studies, patients have experienced a 4-9% reduction in brain volume in less than three years.



[That the drugs are the cause of these changes, rather than an underlying disease process, is strongly implied by the research involving animals.  Recall the University of Pittsburgh investigation, where monkeys exposed to Haldol or Zyprexa for 1 ½ to 2 years experienced a 10% reduction in brain volume and brain weight.]