High-dose treatment with neuroleptics in the acute phase of mental disease.

More than 300 patients have been observed during treatment with either flupenthixol, haloperidol, fluphenazine enanthate or perphenazine enanthate in high doses, whilst suffering from severe mental disease, usually of psychotic nature. Used correctly, high-dose treatment gives a rapid control of psychotic symptoms, an earlier discharge from the ward, and (when using long-acting neuroleptics) pharmacological control even during a follow up period. This means a social availability gain of 30-50%. We have not seen any severe somatic effects except those of parkinsonian type which can be treated successfully by the well trained psychiatrist and a skilled staff.