Short report
The effects of antipsychotics on patients with a dual diagnosis of schizophrenia and substance abuse. An opinion poll among experts
T.H. Lange, W. van den Brink, P.J.J. Hanneman
Little evidence is available concerning the effectiveness of antipsychotics in patients suffering from both schizophrenia and substance abuse. To obtain more insight into clinical practice for this condition, we asked twenty physicians (mostly psychiatrists) with experience of treating such patients to complete a questionnaire. The respondents are in no doubt about the need for antipsychotics and express some preference for modern antipsychotics. The main reason for opting for long-acting classical antipsychotics seems to be concern about compliance.