Effects of phenothiazine withdrawal on proverb interpretation by chronic schizophrenics.

Administered 1 of the clinical forms of the Gorham Proverbs Test to 42 chronic schizophrenics while they were receiving antipsychotic medication and 2 forms 4 wks after drug withdrawal. 21 patients were tested first on drugs and then off, and 21 were tested first off drugs, then on. Some patients improved with drug withdrawal and some worsened. Scores of autism in proverb interpretation and ratings of clinical status agreed (p