Neuroleptic nonresponse and affective symptoms: a 2-year prospective study of schizophrenic outpatients

For 2 years we assessed clinical state, and plasma neuroleptic and prolactin levels every 6 months in 105 male schizophrenic outpatients. The patients took a variety of neuroleptics at clinically determined doses. Those who had psychotic symptoms at 50% or more of their visits had higher neuroleptic doses, more tardive dyskinesia, and more affective symptoms than the other patients. These groups were not, however, significantly different in their age of onset, years of education, duration of illness, duration of neuroleptic exposure, or negative symptoms.