Rehabilitation of the chronic patient: experience in the USA

Abstract

Experiences with the chronic population over the last 5 yr tend to demonstrate the impact with such medications as haloperidol. Side effects in the chronic population were rarely encountered and usually mild. It was felt that these were minimized by beginning at a lower dosage range and carefully monitoring the patient during the upward titration. The plight of the chronic patient has largely been overlooked as psychiatry has moved into the modern era. Until recently, his world, a low and gloomy place, has had little to offer except hopelessness, resignation and despair. To bring about a change in this situation it has been necessary to pay less attention to the words of Kraeplin regarding his condition and more attention to the signs and symptoms of the patient.