The response of untreated chronic schizophrenics to haloperidol and haloperidol decanoate

A group of 13 untreated schizophrenic patients was collected over two and a half years. They were prescribed a standard regime of oral haloperidol, and where possible were transferred to haloperidol decanoate depot injections when their clinical condition stabilised. The progress of their symptoms was monitored weekly with a modification of the Present State Examination called the PSE Change Rating Scale. The ratings demonstrated a surprisingly good response to neuroleptic treatment in these chronic patients. Ten out of the 13 reached an arbitrary criterion of improvement with respect to psychotic symptoms, and in six patients these disappeared entirely. The reasons why the patients remained untreated for so long are considered, and include vagrancy, living with high Expressed Emotion relatives, and neglect in the community.