Home > Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders > Haloperidol

Definition

Haloperidol is a major tranquilizer. It is used to treat psychoses, senile dementia, Tourette's syndrome, and certain serious behavioral disorders in children. In the United States it is sold under the brand name Haldol.

Purpose

Haloperidol is used to control symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. It is also used for controlling tics and inappropriate vocalizations associated with Tourette's syndrome in both children and adults.

In children, haloperidol is occasionally used to treat severe behavior problems such as combativeness and extreme outbursts that that occur without immediate provocation....