Understanding the introduction and use of the first generation antipsychotic (FGA) drugs in the management of schizophrenia in England, 1955-1980: the clinicians’ perspective

I will examine primary sources from 1955-1980, including journal articles, letters, drug adverts and unpublished material from the archives of the British Association for Psychopharmacology and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. These sources will illustrate clinicians’ use and views of first generation antipsychotics (FGAs) to manage schizophrenia and how they altered patient management, services and doctor-patient relationships. It will also examine the role of pharmaceutical companies and the way the new treatment was discussed at education events and conferences.   

Previous psychopharmacological research has focused on the views of academics and researchers who had no direct clinical experience. I will interview 12 clinical psychiatrists who worked in the NHS in England and managed people with schizophrenia between 1955 and 1980.

Interviews will be recorded and transcripts made available for future researchers, and the work will be published so that it is available for professional historians, clinical psychiatrists and the public.