Prediction of response to antipsychotics.

This review surveys the literature in the area of predictors of response to antipsychotic drugs. Four general categories are presented and discussed: diagnosis as a predictor, clinical predictors, biological predictors, and pharmacological predictors. No single consistent predictor of response could be discerned; it appears that a variety of factors affect outcome and that several variables must be considered simultaneously. Based on the findings of this review, suggestions for improvements in clinical research design are made.