Addressing emerging social needs of patients treated with new neuroleptics

1. Clozapine and risperidone are revolutionary new neuroleptic drugs that appear to alleviate psychotic symptoms in many patients who are unresponsive to other neuroleptic medications. 2. Alleviation of negative symptoms, although beneficial in many ways, also may create fears, changes, and unknown challenges for both the patient and caregivers. 3. Thorough assessment and diligent community planning may assist patients in fulfilling the basic human need for love and belonging.