Atypical antipsychotic use in treating adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities

Objective: To study the usage, efficacy, and side effects patterns of atypi cal neuroleptics (atypicals) in adolescents and young adults with developme ntal disabilities (DDs) (mental retardation). Method: We undertook a chart review of adolescents and young adults (undera ge 25 years) seen by our specialized mental health team. Results: Risperidone and olanzapine were by far the most frequently prescri bed atypicals. Robust clinical effects were noted for both psychotic and no npsychotic disorders. Most patients tolerated atypicals well, although a si gnificant minority did experience neuroleptic induced movement disorders (N IMDs), particularly dystonias and dyskinesias. Female patients with DDs app ear to be at particular risk of NIMDs. Conclusions: Atypicals are useful in treating various conditions associated with DDs. This population, however, seems particularly sensitive to NIMDs, hence caution and close monitoring are required.