Prediction and evaluation criteria in perazine therapy of acute schizophrenics. Methodological considerations, sample population, and research variables.

In an open study of schizophrenic patients treated with perazine (Taxilan), a multidimensional approach comprising the following three areas was chosen: 1. psychopathology (AMDP, BPRS); 2. psychophysiology (habituation of skin resistance reaction, pulse rate); 3. pharmacokinetics (perazine-desmethylperazine plasma levels). Looking beyond the known global effect of the neuroleptic drug, interactions between these three areas were studied. Furthermore, methodological questions concerning possible predictor variables for treatment outcome were examined. Finally, an improved method for analyzing psychopathological data was employed. The methodological framework of the study, the examination techniques, and patient population are presented.