SUBJECTIVE RESPONSE TO NEUROLEPTICS AND THE QUALITY-OF-LIFE - IMPLICATIONS FOR TREATMENT OUTCOME

The concept of subjective response to neuroleptics in schizophrenic pa tients is reviewed in terms of its measurement and validity. Evidence is presented to link negative subjective response to neuroleptics to n oncompliance and less favourable therapeutic outcome. The relevance of the construct of subjective responses to neuroleptics is examined in terms of its impact on the functional status and quality of life of pa tients. There is a great need for improved methods in researching subj ective responses as well as better understanding of the factors that c ontribute to its genesis. The advent of new neuroleptics with superior risk-benefit ratios should encourage such research developments.