SUBJECTIVE RESPONSE TO NEUROLEPTICS IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Subjective response to neuroleptics in patients with schizophrenia is reviewed in terms of its validity and measurement. Evidence is present ed to support a correlation between altered subjective state on neurol eptics, and therapeutic outcome and medication compliance. Factors tha t have been implicated in the genesis of such altered subjective state s include demographics, psychiatric characteristics, type and dose of neuroleptic, extrapyramidal symptoms (particularly akathisia), depress ive states, and patients' values and attitudes toward health and illne ss. Factors that may contribute to lack of interest in researching sub jective experiences of schizophrenia patients on medications are revie wed, and methodological improvements in study design are proposed to e nhance our understanding of this phenomenon. Such understanding may he lp us to better appreciate the many factors that contribute to variabi lity of responses to neuroleptic therapy in patients with schizophreni a and also help us to develop more effective treatment strategies.