Antipsychotics in children and adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To present a critical overview of the available evidence for the efficacy and safety of antipsychotic agents in children and adolescents and to identify knowledge gaps and needs for further research. Data from adults that are relevant to children are discussed.


METHODS
Mainly reports of double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were reviewed.


RESULTS
In children and adolescents, antipsychotics are used to treat psychotic and a variety of nonpsychotic conditions. The amount of data based on well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with satisfactory sample sizes in diagnostically homogeneous subjects is modest.


CONCLUSIONS
Currently available standard antipsychotics have a definite role in the treatment of children and adolescents. The use of these agents is limited mainly by tardive and withdrawal dyskinesias and, in some patients, by excessive sedation. The atypical antipsychotics should be critically assessed and compared with psychosocial interventions; if effective, the combination of both types of treatments should be evaluated.
Campbell
M
M
Child Psychiatry Branch, NIMH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Rapoport
J L
JL
Simpson
G M
GM
D000293:Adolescent; D000296:Adolescent Psychiatry / Q000639:trends; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002665:Child Psychiatry / Q000639:trends; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012107:Research Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents