[Impact of the interview technique on the statement of effects and side-effects of antipsychotic agents]

To clarify to what extent subjectively-stated effects and side-effects differ between conventional and atypical neuroleptic agents and to what degree they depend on the method of questioning.

Effects and side effects of antipsychotic medication in 136 schizophrenia patients were studied through naturalistic observation over a period of 12 months (3 measurement time points) and information sought in 2 different ways: firstly, patients gave spontaneous information on the effects/side effects; they were then asked in detail on the basis of a checklist.

Patients gave far less information spontaneously than when asked questions. There were no differences between typical and atypical antipsychotic agents in terms of effects or side effects. Patients, who could give spontaneous information on side effects, but not on positive effects of their neuroleptic agents, discontinued their medication more frequently in the further course.

Information given by patients represents and important and usable source of information, but it can be influenced by the nature of questioning. A fundamental recommendation of the prescription of typical or atypical antipsychotic agents is not possible on the basis of the data.