New drug treatment strategies in schizophrenia: editorial introduction

The recognition of both the value and limitations of antipsychotic drug treatment has led to research on effective alternative strategies for treatment. The authors review assumptions underlying such strategies and introduce five articles pertinent to the topic. These articles address: the use of drugs other than antipsychotic neuroleptics; the use of reduced dosages of antipsychotic drugs; the initiation of antipsychotic drugs early during periods of symptom exacerbation to prevent full relapse; the use of psychosocial treatment strategies in relation to drug treatment; and the development of antipsychotic drugs following models based on restitutive systems in the brain.