J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.  2008 Jun;19(2):89-103.

Pharmacotherapy in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Field: Atypical Antipsychotics

• Yoo HK
• Paik KW

Abstract

Although the scientific evidence is not entirely supportive, atypical antipsychotics have been used widely for the treatment of children and adolescents with mental illnesses as alternatives to typical antipsychotics which have more serious unwanted adverse effects than atypical neuroleptics. On the basis of clinical experiences and research data, atypical antipsychotics have been prescribed for adolescents with schizophrenia, manic or mixed episodes of bipolar disorders, tic disorders, aberrant behaviors in pervasive developmental disorders, and impulsive or violent behaviors in disruptive behavior disorders. Due to their efficacy and relatively more tolerable side effects, the use of atypical antipsychotics has become increasingly popular in child and adolescent psychiatry. However, we should pay attention to the limitations associated with short-term clinical experiences and the lack of well-designed controlled studies, especially in terms of adverse effects including those involving metabolic processes.

Keyword

Atypical Antipsychotics; Child; Adolescent; Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adolescent Psychiatry
Antipsychotic Agents
Bipolar Disorder
Child
Humans
Mental Disorders
Schizophrenia
Tic Disorders
Antipsychotic Agents