The Psychopharmacology and Drug Treatment of Schizophrenia

This book begins by discussing the basis of our understanding of drug treatment in schizophrenia, and the hypotheses derived from this.

It then looks at the effects of using different diagnostic systems in clinical trials, and discusses factors affecting the design and interpretation of such trials.

The book also reviews the effect of social and environmental factors on the course of schizophrenia, which are often overlooked.

Available rating scales for assessment of clinical state and social functioning in schizophrenia are appraised, and there is a complete and up-to-date review of both conventional and more experimental treatments for schizophrenia.

Lastly, there is an exhaustive review of the side-effects of neuroleptics, their pathogenesis and treatment, and a detailed examination of what is known about extrapyramidal disorders and tardive dyskinesia.