Abstract

The principal forms of physical treatment currently used in the management of functional psychoses are neuroleptic drugs, lithium, antidepressants, ECT and psychosurgery, although some other drugs are less commonly used. The interest of the use of these treatments lies not only in the practical issue of their proven efficacy but also in the theoretical possibility that study of the mode of action of effective agents may provide clues to the pathogenesis of the disorders they are used to treat. The relative lack of specificity of the treatments to particular symptoms and disorders sets limits upon the use of this strategy.

This content is only available as a PDF.
You do not currently have access to this article.