The nurse's role in neuroleptic medications.

1. A questionnaire study of schizophrenia sufferers' (N = 132) views on medication, contrary to expectations, revealed generally favorable attitudes. Clients seemed to understand the fine balance between costs and benefits better than many health-care professionals imagine. 2. Because nurses spend more time communicating with clients than physicians, they are ideally placed to find out how patients perceive neuroleptic therapy, and to provide information, advice, and counseling support. 3. There is a strong case for asserting that mental health nurses should extend their role in monitoring the effects of medication on their clients.