Subjective response to neuroleptics and the quality of life: implications for treatment outcome.

The concept of subjective response to neuroleptics in schizophrenic patients is reviewed in terms of its measurement and validity. Evidence is presented to link negative subjective response to neuroleptics to noncompliance and less favourable therapeutic outcome. The relevance of the construct of subjective responses to neuroleptics is examined in terms of its impact on the functional status and quality of life of patients. There is a great need for improved methods in researching subjective responses as well as better understanding of the factors that contribute to its genesis. The advent of new neuroleptics with superior risk-benefit ratios should encourage such research developments.