ASSESSMENT OF THE PATIENTS SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE IN ACUTE NEUROLEPTICTREATMENT - IMPLICATIONS FOR COMPLIANCE AND OUTCOME

The concept of subjective response to neuroleptics in schizophrenia wa s reviewed with particular focus on scales for its measurement. The si gnificance of recognizing such a phenomenon early on in the course of treatment has been illustrated by research data linking it to complian ce, clinical improvement, quality of life, suicidal behaviour and como rbid drug abuse. Negative subjective response to neuroleptics has been identified as a strong predictor of compliance and outcome, Awareness of this subjective response in the management of the acute phase of t he illness would require the physician to develop specific or addition al approaches to the management of such dysphoric patients on neurolep tics at the time of discharge.