Antipsychotic drugs raise seizure risk in adults, and antipsychotic drug use is increasing among pediatric psychiatric disorder patients. However, few studies have examined seizure risk in this younger patient population. To evaluate seizure risk in pediatric patients on antipsychotics, we conducted a nested case-control study using a nationwide database. Patient information was retrieved from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) database from 2008-2018. Antipsychotic use among newly diagnosed psychiatric patients was gathered starting 1 year before the index date and categorized as recent, past, consistent, or none. Seizure cases among these patients were defined based on (1) prescription of antiepileptic drugs or (2) an electroencephalography (EEG) examination among patients with seizure diagnostic code. A conditional logistic regression model was constructed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for seizure risk due to antipsychotic use. In total, 1523 seizure cases and 6092 seizure-free controls aged 8-19 years with newly diagnosed psychiatric disorders were included for analysis. Logistic regression revealed a significant association between antipsychotic use and seizure development (recent users OR = 4.03, 95% CI 3.4-4.79; consistent users: OR = 2.84, 95% CI 2.44-3.3). Seizure risk enhanced further with an increase in the number of antipsychotic drugs used. Risperidone, aripiprazole, quetiapine, olanzapine, paliperidone, and blonanserin were independently associated with greater seizure risk. Pediatric patients receiving antipsychotics, especially new or multiple antipsychotic users, should be carefully monitored for seizure development.
Keywords: Adverse drug events; Antipsychotics; Nested case–control study; Pediatrics; Seizure.