For kids, older antipsychotic drug may be better

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In the world of mental health, newer drugs are often considered to be more effective than their older counterparts. When it comes to antipsychotic medication given to children, however, that might not be the case.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have found that the old standby molindone is as effective as olanzapine and risperidone in treating children and teenagers with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Currently, those latter two medications, known as second-generation drugs, are given to most children.

In studying the impact of the three (randomly assigned) drugs on 119 study participants ages 8 to 19, the researchers found no significant differences in response rates or symptom reduction. In the eight-week study period, 50% of those given molindone responded to the drug, compared with 34% for olanzapine and 46% for risperidone.

The newer drugs, however, were linked to significantly more weight gain.

‘Medications make a vast difference in peoples’ lives, but we need better treatment options,’ lead author Dr. Lin Sikich said in a news release.

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry notes: ‘Schizophrenia is a life-long disease that can be controlled, but not cured.’ It lists the symptoms as they may appear in children, pointing out that they may differ from symptoms in adults, and adds information on medications for children.

The study was published today in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

-- Tami Dennis

Photo credit: Boris Yaro / Los Angeles Times