Kliniske erfaringer med nye antipsykotika

Abstract

Traditional neuroleptics are classified as high-, middle-, and low-dose preparations. This ranking is based not only on the dose but also on the side-effect profile. In this classification system neuroleptics are also categorized in accordance with their receptor affinities. The new established and potential antipsychotics can similarily be categorized on the basis of their receptor affinities: 1) Selective dopamine receptor antagonists; 2) Partial D₂ receptor agonists; 3) Non-dopaminergic antipsychotics; and 4) “Broad-spectrum” antipsychotics. The first and the last group appear to be the most promising, compared with traditional neuroleptics, as they are characterized by a low frequency of extrapyramidal side effects and equal antipsychotic effects. It is suggested that negative symptoms in schizophrenia may be relatively unresponsive to traditional neuroleptics. It remains to be shown whether the new antipsychotics have any superiority in this respect.

□ Extrapyramidal side effects, New antipsychotics, Receptor affinities, Therapeutic effects.