The physician prescribes haloperidol (Haldol),a first-generation antipsychotic drug,for a patient with schizophrenia who displays delusions,hallucinations,apathy,and social isolation.Which symptoms should most be monitored to evaluate the expected improvement from this medication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First-generation (typical)antipsychotics are generally effective improving positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions,but they are much less helpful for negative symptoms such as affective flattening,alogia,attention deficits,anhedonia,and asociality.The atypical (second-generation and later)antipsychotic medications target both the negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

The Physician Prescribes Haloperidol (Haldol),a First-Generation Antipsychotic Drug,for a Patient