High Potency Neuroleptics and Violence in Schizophrenics

Abstract

In a controlled study, in patient violence was measured during placebo, high-potency (haloperidol) and low-potency (chlorpromazine or clozapine) neuroleptics. Some patients had a marked increase in violent behavior with the moderately high-dose haloperidol, but not with low-potency neuroleptics. The authors discuss reasons for the incrased violence with haloperidol, including akathisia and drug-induced behavioral toxicity.