Early subjective response and prediction of outcome to neuroleptic drug therapy in schizophrenia.

Events that occur early in the course of neuroleptic treatment, and which may have utility in predicting short-term clinical outcome, were investigated. Such events include the patient's subjective response to drug, early clinical response, and the emergence of side effects. From all the variables examined, early subjective response and symptom change at 24 and 48 hours following initiation of neuroleptic drug therapy were found to be significantly related to short-term outcome. These findings are assessed with respect to their predictive utility and relative contribution to the development of a strategy for individualized drug treatment approaches in schizophrenia.