Outcome in delusional disorder in different periods of time. Possible implications for treatment with neuroleptics.

The effect of neuroleptics in the treatment of schizophrenia is well established. Some reports indicate that at least pimozide may be effective in delusional disorder as well. In this article a long-term follow-up study of 72 first-admitted patients with delusional disorder is described. Outcome in patients admitted during 1946-1948 was compared with that of patients admitted during 1958-1961. We did not find a more favourable outcome in the group admitted after the introduction of neuroleptics. This contradicts our earlier finding for patients with schizophrenic psychoses, indicating that neuroleptics generally may be more effective for schizophrenics than for patients with delusional disorder. Controlled drug trials in delusional disorder are strongly needed.