Some Possibilities of the Use of Atypical Neuroleptics in Paedopsychiatry

Overview

The objective of the study was to investigate possibilities of the use of atypical neuroleptics in three selectedareas of paedopsychiatry: in early onset schizophrenia, in bipolar affective disorder and in pervasive developmentaldisorders. In the introduction the authors describe the history, theoretical background and classification of atypicalneuroleptics. A more detailed account is given of neuroleptics which were already used in paedopsychiatry -clozapine, risperidon and olanzapine. In early onset schizophrenia the effectiveness of atypical neuroleptics onnegative symptoms and cognitive deficiencies, is emphasized which could have a favourable impact on theprevalence and intensity of the deficiency syndrome. The implemented clinical studies of clozapine, risperidon andolanzapine are described. In bipolar affective disorder, according to studies in the adult population, atypicalneuroleptics are promising drugs also promising in children, so far however experience in the child population islacking. As regards pervasive developmental disorders, in particular risperidon proved useful. The authors presenta review of its use in different clinical investigations. To conclude it may be stated that atypical neuroleptics appearto be suitable for effective and safe therapeutic intervention in paedopsychiatry.

Key words:
atypical neuroleptics, clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, early onset schizophrenia, bipolar