A STUDY OF ENHANCED MANAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH TREATMENT-RESISTANT SCHIZOPHRENIA

The clinical. efficacy of two intensive treatment packages (one includ ing the new antipsychotic risperidone and the other not doing so) was compared with that of standard management in 43 patients with long-sta nding treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Significant differences betwe en the groups in terms of total positive or total negative symptoms we re not demonstrated, but the pattern of change between the treatment g roups differed, so that benefit in positive symptomatology was seen in both intensive treatment groups and in negative symptomatology in the intensive treatment/risperidone group and the standard group. Changes in general psychopathology were most marked in the risperidone group and were compatible with a relatively non-sedative profile. Using the Disability Assessment Schedule, substantial significant advantages for the intensive treatment groups were found.