Results and methodological problems in the evaluation of newer atypical neuroleptics in the treatment of schizophrenic negative symptoms

The results of controlled studies of the efficacy of the new atypical neuro leptics in treating negative symptoms show that these antipsychotics have a more pronounced effect on negative symptoms in acute schizophrenic patient s than the cia Supplementary complex statistical analyses substantiate that the increased efficacy of the atypical neuroleptics in treating negative s ymptoms can only partially be explained by indirect effects of better extra pyramidal tolerability, better effects on productive psychotic symptoms, et c. Instead, it is due largely to the stronger direct effect of these atypic al neuroleptics. Clinical studies to evaluate their efficacy in chronic sch izophrenic patients with stable, predominantly negative symptoms are still mostly lacking. First results support the presumption that atypical neurole ptics have a direct effect. Parallel to the evaluation of the new atypical neuroleptics, important progress has been made in the methodology of clinic al studies in this area.