Because of neuroleptics' potential long-term side effects, the authors
conducted a pilot study of an alternative to maintenance medication for
stable schizophrenic outpatients. The doses of 19 patients were gradually
reduced to zero over 8 weeks, and medication was then given only when a
patient experienced early signs of relapse. The patients attended weekly
group therapy and were closely monitored for prodromal signs, especially at
times of stress; significant others helped observe patients. Five patients
experienced increased symptoms during the drug washout period and were
dropped from the study; of the remaining 14, 10 remained stable on the
intermittent medication protocol.Abstract Teaser