Atypical neuroleptic drugs have enriched our treatment programs, especially
in childhood and adolescent schizophrenia. Reviewed here is the use of aty
pical neuroleptics in children and adolescents with a schizophrenic disorde
r. The receptor binding profile and pharmacological properties, indications
, side effects, clinical application, and trials of atypical neuroleptic dr
ugs are compared to the classical neuroleptic drug haloperidol in the treat
ment of adolescent schizophrenia. Special attention is paid to the most com
mon atypical neuroleptics clozapine, olanzapine and risperidone since most
studies are carried out with these compounds, most often with clozapine, Mo
re clinically controlled trials have to be conducted since only one has bee
n performed to date. The place of atypical neuroleptic drugs is discussed a
nd further studies are necessary in order to differentiate, and eventually
broaden the spectrum of the indications tested thus far.