Pharmacological treatment strategies in the non-responsive schizophrenic patient

The care of people with schizophrenia that has failed to respond to conventional antipsychotic medication remains a formidable challenge. However, the introduction of clozapine heralded a new optimism in this area, and prompted an increase in research interest in the pharmacotherapeutic options for such patients. This brief review covers some of the more recent studies with clozapine that are relevant to the use of the drug in clinical practice, and also summarises the potential indications, benefits and limitations of various adjuncts to antipsychotic drug treatment.