This article reviews the Subjective Experiences of patients with schizophrenia related to treatment with Antipsychotics (SEA), factors influencing SEA and the relation between SEA and medication compliance and therapeutic outcome. There seems to be a correlation between negative subjective experiences (25-50%) and non-compliance. Subjective responses during clozapine treatment appear to be less negative compared to responses during conventional antipsychotic treatment. A clear definition of SEA is lacking and a working definition is suggested. We discuss problems concerning the concept of SEA and make suggestions for further investigation.