The evaluation of efficacy of antipsychotic medications is a complex process. For more than 40 years conventional antipsychotic agents have formed the cornerstone of treatment for patients with schizophrenia. During this period the markerfor therapeutic effectiveness has focused almost exclusively on the control of psychotic symptoms. Now with the introduction of atypical antipsychotic agents it seems possible to achieve control of symptoms in multiple domains. Clinical trials of the new antipsychotic, olanzapine (Zyprexa), demonstrated control of both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and comorbid depressive symptoms. Olanzapine appeared to be significantly better than haloperidol in maintaining symptom remission and preventing relapse. Recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a first-line agent for the treatment of psychosis, olanzapine has demonstrated enhanced efficacy for use in both acute and maintenance treatment modalities. This article reports results from a 6-week open label trial of the drug. Significant improvements were found, Findings are limited by small sample size. However, the early positive results encourage both further testing and challenge nurses to expand their skills in assisting patients and their families with the recovery process.
