The author reviews literature on the topic of the morphological and neurochemical changes in the brain in schizophrenia which is connected with the influence of the antipsychotics, both I and II generation. The most replicated findings in schizophrenia are: an increase of basal ganglia volume and decrease of grey matter in different regions (after typical neuroleptics). These phenomena are not ...

OBJECTIVE To derive and apply objective criteria which assess the appropriateness of neuroleptic prescribing, in a random sample of nursing homes. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey of prescribing in a random sample of nursing homes. SETTING 22 homes with more than 35 residents in the former South Thames Region. SUBJECTS 934 nursing home residents aged 65 years or over. METHODS We compared c...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of a training and support intervention for nursing home staff in reducing the proportion of residents with dementia who are prescribed neuroleptics. DESIGN Cluster randomised controlled trial with blinded assessment of outcome. SETTING 12 specialist nursing homes for people with dementia in London, Newcastle, and Oxford. PARTICIPANTS Residents of th...

Schizophrenia is a devastating psychiatric disorder that affects 1% of population worldwide. Neuroleptics are the major class of drugs used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Neuroleptics are associated with wide variety of extrapyramidal side effects such as akathesia, dystonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia. tardive dyskinesia is a complex hyperkinetic sy...

Schizophrenia is a devastating psychiatric disorder that affects 1% of population worldwide. Neuroleptics are the major class of drugs used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Neuroleptics are associated with wide variety of extrapyramidal side effects such as akathesia, dystonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia. tardive dyskinesia is a complex hyperkinetic sy...