We have recently completed a thorough review of the published literature of RCT evidence for BMJ Clinical Evidence (Barry et al 2012). In preparing this review for Clinical Evidence of the clinical trial literature for interventions for schizophrenia, a comprehensive search strategy identified all relevant publications, and those studies meeting reasonable quality standards were then included as described. Despite such a careful triage process, that aimed to include only good quality RCTs, it is clear that many studies we included have serious failings. Moreover, and perhaps surprisingly, objective assessment of the available evidence base for the efficacy of antipsychotic medication.
