Case Report: Using Attribution Theory to Limit Need for Neuroleptic Medicine

Abstract

The use of neuroleptic medicine in the treatment of schizophrenia is often predicated on the goal of eliminating psychotic target symptoms. However neuroleptics, especially when used long-term, may produce unacceptable side effects. An alternative treatment goal, ideally suited for the thought-disordered college student, is to help him/her understand his/her symptoms in a new way, so that he/she responds to them differently even though they persist. A case is presented to illustrate the time-limited use of neuroleptics, in conjunction with psychotherapy that emphasized reattribution of the meaning to the patient of his psychotic symptoms, enabling him to manage the symptoms without further need for medicine.