Psychopharmacologic treatment of psychosis in children and adolescents: efficacy and management

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2013 Oct;22(4):727-44. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2013.06.002.

Abstract

The efficacy of antipsychotic use in children and adolescents with psychosis has been shown in an increasing number of randomized controlled trials. Chronic use of second-generation and third-generation antipsychotics has the potential for significant side effects, especially metabolic syndrome. A review of the literature on side effect profiles of antipsychotic medications used in children and adolescents is provided to help clinicians develop treatment plans for their patients. Clozapine has the best efficacy of all antipsychotic medications in adults as well as children and adolescents who are treatment resistant. Guidance is provided for the management of clozapine side effects.

Keywords: Adolescents; Antipsychotic medication; Antipsychotic side effects; Children; Clozapine; Psychopharmacology; Psychosis; Schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Age of Onset
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Clozapine / adverse effects
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / classification
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / epidemiology
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Polypharmacy
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Psychotic Disorders / epidemiology
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / epidemiology
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Clozapine