Neuroleptic Research Facts

'A person with schizophrenic or delusional disorder was more likely to be on polypharmacy (more than one psychotropic drug) than a person
suffering from another type of disorder'

'For a patient prescribed more than one antipsychotic drug, the odds of also being prescribed a high dose were 41times those for a patient who was prescribed a single drug' (Lelliott et al. 2002)

60% of patients experience severe/very severe side effects. Rogers (1993).

20% suffer from akathesia. Braude et al., (1983)

5% of patients develop Tardive Dyskinesia in the first year.

15% of patients develop Tardive Dyskinesia within 3 years.

90% of patients diagnosed with TD resulting from typical neuroleptics. Crane, (1968).

Atypical drugs are reputed to result in a lower figure - TD being merely masked as when atypical is withdrawn the bodily disfigurements reappear.

46% of patients experience persistent delusions. Curson, (1988)

32% of patients experience persistent auditory hallucinations. Curson (1988)

45% patients decide to stop treatment. Van Putten, (1974)

58% of patients 'relapse' on neuroleptic medication, Crow et al (1986).

Known as Supersensitivity Psychosis

60- 80% of patients on depots, 'relapse' if the medication is discontinued, Johnson (1979).

Known as Tardive Psychosis.

30% of patients are only minimally improved or can be clinically worse. Davies et al (1980)

20% of patients are unresponsive to neuroleptics.

47% of patients experience akathesia, dysphoria and emotional
flattening, Windgassen (1991).

50% higher rates suicide with neuroleptic medication, Markowe, et al. (1967)

Fatalities from heart problems increase and death in heat waves is common.

Life span on neuroleptics reduced by 10 –15 years.

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