Higher than usual dosage of haloperidol: a pilot study in chronic schizophrenics.

The effect of higher than usual dosages of haloperidol was studied in 38 chronic institutionalized schizophrenic patients for whom any hope of discharge had been abandoned. In 23 patients (61%) a marked or moderate improvement was observed. No striking differences were seen between patients simultaneously receiving or not receiving group therapy. The 15 remaining patients put on haloperidol alone showed some increase in psychomotor alertness, according to the nurses' judgement. It is clear from these results can be safely administered and can be of considerable value in chronic institutionalized schizophrenic patients.