Assessment of drugs in schizophrenia. Basic trial design.

Abstract

Clinical trials with major tranquilizers must take into account the clinical features of patients with schizophrenia and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the drug. The objectives of the trial must be carefully defined so that appropriate selection criteria for patients, rating instruments and dosage schedules can be selected. It is useful to monitor physiological and biochemical actions of major tranquilizers as well as the clinical effects. 1976 The British Pharmacological Society