The effects of neuroleptic drugs on the social interactions of hospitalized psychotic patients.

The frequency of social interactions emitted by two groups of hospitalized psychotic patients was studied with a time sampling procedure during lunch periods in the ward dayroom. One group was treated with neuroleptic medication upon admission to the ward, and the other group was medicated after a 2- to 3-week washout period. The data suggest that the principle effect of the medication is to produce a transient depression in social interaction frequency which returns to baseline with continued drug treatment. The results are supportive of previous research which indicated that the major impact of pharmacotherapy is on activity rather than social behaviors, and highlights the utility of including baseline measures to ensure adequate drug vs. control comparisons.