Clozapine treatment of schizophrenia: implications for forensic psychiatry

Clozapine, a new antipsychotic medication, is now the first-line treatment for neuroleptic refractory schizophrenia. Preliminary observations on its efficacy in treating schizophrenic patients with co-morbid substance abuse and, particularly, schizophrenic patients with persistent aggressive behaviour suggests that clozapine may provide a useful treatment option in forensic patient populations. Potential applications of clozapine and management considerations that are relevant to the forensic setting are discussed.