[A new study of secondary effects in prescribing practices of neuroleptics]

Within the context of our knowledge of the neuroleptics, side-effects have not only been considered for a number of years as an unavoidable element of these agents; they in fact practically constitute a defining feature of such drugs. Advances in knowledge and the availability to prescribing practitioners of so-called "atypical" neuroleptics allow some redefinition of the above problem. A multidimensional approach which goes beyond more nosographic considerations, and the addition of a temporal dimension to a question for too long reduced to its spatial aspect are new elements which help put the issue of side-effects in perspective. However, any examination of this subject must also take into account the quality of life and the subjective experience of patients undergoing treatment with neuroleptics, since these considerations represent important pathways for the future. Such analysis must also take into account the current situation, in which excessive prescription of corrective agents, the prevalence of co-prescription of psychotropic agents and wide variations in prescribing of neuroleptics (for too long overlooked, in terms of both analysis and education) have given rise to coercive control strategies. The system of Opposable Medical References (OMR) forms part of a panoply of measures aimed at control rather than education. However, education constitutes a key element in this field if the goal of re-appropriation is to be achieved.