De théorie van de nieuwe antipsychotica met onderscheid tussen symptomen en bijwerkingen

Clozapine, the prototypical 'atypical' antipsychotic, is not likely to induce extrapyramidal side effects, has a positive influence on negative symptoms of schizophrenia and is effective in a large part of treatment-refractory patients. This is believed to be caused by its the affinity for 5HT2A-receptors, the existence of a specific clozapinesensitive D -receptor, or a selective influence on specific brain regions. The pharmacological properties of comparable new drugs are described. In addition, the evidence for special clinical effects is discussed. Especially the effects on negative symptoms of schizophrenia and in therapy-resistant schizophrenia are not easily proven.