HALOPERIDOL IN THE TREATMENT OF 120 PSYCHOTIC PATIENTS

The results of treatment with haloperidal at the Towers Hospital, Leicester, England, confirm those of Continental workers in the same field. We agree with their opinions (3, 4, 11, 12), that haloperidol is without any doubt a major advance in the management and treatment of paranoid-type schizophrenics as well as recent mania.

Its clinical usefulness and importance are dependent upon: 1. The fact that it is a long acting drug and needs to be administered only once a day; 2. The fact that no serious toxic reactions have been reported and frequent laboratory referrals can be avoided; 3. The combination of minimal soporific effects and maximum tranquilisation so that the patient is alert and yet his management presents no nursing difficulties; 4. Helping to cut expenses of inpatient treatment due to quick recovery and duration of hospitalisation; and 5. Its reaction on the disturbed patient eliminating the need for locked wards or locked rooms.