Rebound psychoses following the discontinuation of a high potency neuroleptic

Increased familiarity with the effects of psychotropic medications has led to modifications in both prescribing habits and length of treatment. The case of a 34 year old woman is presented, in whom the return of psychotic symptoms following the discontinuation of neuroleptic medications is attributed to a rebound phenomena as opposed to a relapse of an underlying chronic illness. The author cites parallel situations previously described in the medical literature and outlines a conceptual framework for the understanding of this phenomenon.