Neuroleptic treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Mechanisms of action and clinical significance.

Neuroleptic drugs have been used in the treatment of schizophrenic patients for 40 years. In the 1960s it was proposed that the mechanism of action was a blockade of dopamine receptors; in vivo studies give strong evidence that a blockade of D2 dopamine receptors mediate the antipsychotic effect of classic neuroleptics. However, the antipsychotic effect of neuroleptics is synergistic with family treatment and social-skills training.