Abstract
Antipsychotic medications are used in a wide range of mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions in children and adolescents. Their efficacy and tolerability with long-term use have not been clearly established. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the long-term use of antipsychotics in children and adolescents. All relevant double-blind randomised control trials (RCTs), on any antipsychotic used for 12 weeks or longer in any mental health/neurodevelopmental condition in this age group were included. We evaluated several efficacy and tolerability measures. Meta-analysis was performed for adverse events. Seven RCTs were identified (n = 939, age 5 to 17 years), 4 on aripiprazole and 3 on risperidone. All studies reported symptomatic/functional improvements or more time before discontinuation compared to placebo. Weight gain was identified as a significant side effect with antipsychotics. Serum prolactin was reduced with aripiprazole and increased with risperidone, and abdominal pain/discomfort, respiratory tract infections and musculoskeletal pain were more common with aripiprazole compared to placebo. Use of antipsychotics for 12 weeks or longer may be associated with symptomatic/functional improvements, but may be associated with additional side effects compared to short-term treatment. Further research in this population is needed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | CNS SPECTRUMS |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 2021 |
Keywords
- Adolescents
- Antipsychotics
- Children
- Efficacy
- Long-term
- Maintenance
- Tolerability
