Neuroleptics and reserpine in refractory psychoses

This retrospective review of the naturalistic use of reserpine in combination with neuroleptics for symptoms refractory to neuroleptics and lithium demonstrated a moderate to dramatic response rate in 50% of 36 chronically disabled psychotic patients. Observed improvement was in marked contrast to the baseline pattern of chronically persistent psychotic symptoms and poor functioning in these patients. Female patients and patients with schizoaffective or bipolar diagnoses responded best to treatment. Reserpine may be an underutilized adjunctive treatment for refractory psychotic states, and further investigation into its clinical applications is warranted.