The inadvisability of neuroleptic medication in Wilson's disease

The use of neuroleptic drugs in the management of a patient with Wilson's disease was examined from the clinical, pharmacological, and pathophysiological points of view. The weight of evidence suggests that the medication poses a threat to life in patients with this disease because of its masking effects, lack of therapeutic rationale, and adverse reactions. Difficulty in recognizing the biological basis of the behavior disorders and in differentiating between the dementia in the disease and schizophrenic psychosis is associated with the use of inadvisable medication. In order to facilitate early administration of specific treatment, a proper staging of the disease and the criteria for early diagnosis are proposed.