Antipsychotics in Children and Adolescents with Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Long-Term Prospective Evidence.

Key Points

• This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of second-generation antipsychotics in treating children and adolescents with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
• Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies
• Focused on short-term symptom reduction and side effect profiles
• Analyzed evidence for long-term treatment and maintenance
• SGAs showed short-term symptom reductions compared to placebo
• There was variability in the risk of treatment-emergent adverse events across different agents
• Limited long-term evidence necessitates further studies on continuation strategies

Abstract