Intermittent medication for stable schizophrenic outpatients: an alternative to maintenance medication
Abstract
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.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
