Neuroleptic management of schizophrenia: a survey and commentary on Australian psychiatric practice.
OBJECTIVE
We seek to assess Australian psychiatrists' views and practices concerning provision of neuroleptic medication to patients with schizophrenia, and to determine whether such management strategies are likely to have changed over time and the extent to which they correspond to published treatment guidelines.


METHODS
A sample of 139 psychiatrists based in three Australian capital cities was derived, with respondents completing a brief questionnaire by choosing from a limited-option answer set. Co-authors of this paper comment on the extent to which responses are in line with contemporary recommendations driven by experts or empirical studies.


RESULTS
Overall, survey findings indicate that there has been considerable change in clinical practice over the last decade and provide some estimate of the extent to which Australian management practices are congruent with contemporary recommendations. We identify a number of issues of concern (more in relation to dose levels of neuroleptic medication rather than treatment duration) revealed by survey data and make recommendations for addressing a number of practical clinical issues.


CONCLUSIONS
As this report focuses on central issues involved in managing schizophrenia, and integrates a number of treatment guidelines, we suggest that it should be of assistance for practice review by clinicians.
Parker
G
G
School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia.
Lambert
T
T
McGrath
J
J
McGorry
P
P
Tiller
J
J
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011570:Psychiatry; D012008:Recurrence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents