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The authors decreased neuroleptic medication in 21 chronic schizophrenic patients in an attempt to minimize the risks of tardive dyskinesia. Level of psychopathology and severity of dyskinetic symptoms were monitored while the neuroleptic was gradually decreased over 3 months and then discontinued. Only 1 patient relapsed during drug decrease; however, 15 patients relapsed within 6 months after drug withdrawal. After relapse, medication was gradually increased. The doses needed to induce recovery were higher than those which had been sufficient to prevent relapse during gradual drug reduction. Dyskinetic symptoms were not significantly modified during drug reduction but increased significantly after drug discontinuation.
Branchey et al. (1981) studied this question.