An open trial of clozapine in 11 adolescents with childhood-onset schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
To review the response of 11 adolescents with childhood-onset schizophrenia to a 6-week open clozapine trial.


METHODS
Eleven children meeting DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia had a 6-week open trial of clozapine (mean sixth week daily dose 370 mg). Behavioral ratings included the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Children's Global Assessment Scale.


RESULTS
More than half showed marked improvement in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale ratings by 6 weeks of clozapine therapy compared to admission drug rating and compared to a systematic 6-week trial of haloperidol.


CONCLUSIONS
This open trial indicates that clozapine may be a promising treatment for children and adolescents with schizophrenia who do not respond well to typical neuroleptics. A double-blind placebo-controlled study is ongoing.
Frazier
J A
JA
Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Gordon
C T
CT
McKenna
K
K
Lenane
M C
MC
Jih
D
D
Rapoport
J L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012561:Schizophrenia, Childhood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology
D003024:Clozapine; D006220:Haloperidol