Restraint, seclusion, and clozapine.
BACKGROUND
The effects of clozapine, an unconventional neuroleptic drug, on the use of restraint and seclusion in patients have not been extensively reported on in the United States.


METHODS
The records of 107 patients receiving clozapine in Missouri state mental hospitals were reviewed over a 13-month period for frequency and duration of restraint and seclusion.


RESULTS
During clozapine treatment, patients had fewer episodes of restraint and seclusion than previously. The duration of restraints and seclusions also decreased, starting the second month after the initiation of clozapine treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
For patients who were restrained or secluded before clozapine treatment, the decrease in the number and duration of restraint and seclusion episodes was dramatic.
Mallya
A R
AR
Missouri Department of Mental Health, Jefferson City 65102.
Roos
P D
PD
Roebuck-Colgan
K
K
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003024:Clozapine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012934:Social Isolation
D003024:Clozapine