[Results of long-term treatment with depot neuroleptics in schizophrenic patients]

An examination was instituted to determine the effectiveness of maintenance therapy involving depot neuroplegics in out-patient after-care during an average follow-up of six years. At the time of examination, 172 patients treated with Depot-Lyogen showed statistically significant lower relapse and rehospitalisation rates, a reduction of the productive schizophrenic symptoms, and improved chance of rehabilitation, compared with 55 patients without treatment. In 22% of the 270 patients on Depot-Lyogen, there were early extrapyramidal side-effects, in 4.7% late dyskinesis, and in 4.3% depressive symptoms relating to medication. 35% of the patients did not receive consistent maintenance therapy. The improvement of after-care is discussed.