TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES IN ADOLESCENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

The pharmacologic treatment and assessment of outcomes in adolescents with schizophrenia have been inadequately addressed. Structural brain imaging and brain function studies both point to a continuity between adolescent and adult stages of schizophrenia. Because the teenage popu lation seems to be less tolerant of physical side effects, the advent of atypical antipsychotic medications may offer increased safety and e fficacy. Studies support the notion that adolescent illness is associa ted with a more severe form of schizophrenia and that length of illnes s before treatment is correlated with longterm outcome. As a consequen ce, the authors recommend assertive pharmacologic intervention in adol escents with schizophrenia and future research focused on the issues o f treatment and outcome in teenagers suffering a psychotic disorder.