Atypical neuroleptics in child and adolescent psychiatry

Atypical neuroleptics have enriched our treatment programmes, especially in childhood and adolescent schizophrenia. This article reviews the use of at ypical neuroleptics in children and adolescents with schizophrenic disorder . It considers the receptor binding profile and pharmacological properties, indications, side effects, clinical applications and trials of atypical ne uroleptics in comparison to the classical neuroleptic haloperidol in adoles cent schizophrenia. Special emphasis is placed on the most common atypical neuroleptics clozapine, olanzapine and risperidone since most studies are c arried out with these compounds, especially with clozapine. More clinically controlled trials have to be conducted since only one was performed so far . The place of the atypical neuroleptics is discussed and further studies a re necessary in order to differentiate the indications tested so far and to find out if the spectrum of indications can be broadened.