A comparative trial of pharmacologic strategies in schizophrenia.

An open comparative trial was conducted involving 42 schizophrenic outpatients randomly assigned to one of two methods of drug administration: continuous medication (N = 21) and targeted medication plus psychosocial intervention (N = 21). The results, which suggest an extensive similarity with respect to outcome for the two treatments over a 2-year period, argue for the continuation of research on the relative effectiveness of the targeted drug approach, particularly in cases judged suitable for drug reduction strategies.