Authors' recommendations: The results of this review suggest that anti-psychotics may be efficacious in the treatment of autism disruptive behavior disorders, schizophrenia and aggressive behavior secondary to numerous psychiatric illnesses. The most-commonly reported adverse effect of antipsychotic medications is weight gain and possible metabolic abnormalities. Other side effects include hyperprolactinemia (in risperidone), sedation, EPS, and tachycardia. While other serious effects are rarely reported, this may be due in part to the fact that much of the evidence on anti-psychotic treatment in pediatric patients is from studies of short duration with relatively small numbers of patients. Treatment guidelines for several conditions exist, most of which originate from the United States. There are inconsistencies between guidelines with regards to recommendations to treat certain indications, and more clarity is required in the derivation of guidelines for off-label dosing. A better understanding of the impacts of polypharmacy, particularly in children with comorbid conditions, is needed.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.cadth.ca/media/pdf/htis/L0038%20Antipsychotics%20in%20Pediatric%20Patients%20final.pdf

Year Published: 2008

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health

Contact Address: 600-865 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 5S8 Canada. Tel: +1 613 226 2553; Fax: +1 613 226 5392;

Contact Name: requests@cadth.ca

Contact Email: requests@cadth.ca

Copyright: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)