Antipsychotic Use in Youth with Schizophrenia
Evidence and Approvals
- Lithium is approved for use in youths aged 12 years and older for bipolar disorder, as recommended by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1, 2
Clinical Considerations
- When treating adolescents with schizophrenia, clinicians should prioritize medications with established safety and efficacy in this age group, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 3, 4
- The pattern of response to antipsychotics in youth appears similar to that in adults, but youth with early-onset schizophrenia may be less likely to respond adequately to medication therapy, as noted by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 5, 6
Safety and Guidance
- The long-term use of antipsychotics in early-onset schizophrenia has not been extensively studied, making it important to use FDA-approved medications when possible, as recommended by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 3
- When treating adolescents with schizophrenia, clinicians should first consider FDA-approved options for this age group before considering off-label alternatives, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 3, 4, 7
- Baseline and follow-up assessments, including physical examination and laboratory tests, are essential when initiating antipsychotic treatment in adolescents, as recommended by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 4, 7