Treatment-refractory schizophrenia in children and adolescents: an update on clozapine and other pharmacologic interventions

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2006 Jan;15(1):135-59. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2005.08.008.

Abstract

Treatment-refractory early-onset schizophrenia is a rare but severe form of the disorder associated with poor premorbid function and long-term disability. The currently available evidence suggests that clozapine remains the most efficacious treatment for the amelioration of both positive and negative symptoms of the disorder and problematic aggressive behaviors. Clozapine use in children and adolescents, however, is limited by its association with hematologic adverse events and an increased frequency of seizure activity. Further studies are needed to examine the usefulness of antipsychotic combinations and of augmentation therapies to antipsychotic medications in order to treat persistent residual psychotic symptoms in children and adolescents who have schizophrenia and who have not responded to several sequential trials of antipsychotic monotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / pharmacokinetics*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Benzodiazepines / adverse effects
  • Benzodiazepines / pharmacokinetics
  • Benzodiazepines / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Clozapine / adverse effects
  • Clozapine / pharmacokinetics*
  • Clozapine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Resistance*
  • Humans
  • Olanzapine
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Clozapine
  • Olanzapine