In brief, the Wunderink study uses a randomized control design and found that, in adults diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, continuous use of neuroleptics was associated with worse functional outcomes than intermittent use. Higher doses were associated with worse outcomes than lower ones.
These days, neuroleptic drugs are widely promoted to treat depression and they are often used “off-label” to treat behavioral problems in children. They are among the most widely prescribed drugs; given the theory that “schizophrenia” affects 1% of the population, it is clear that many individuals – adults and children – who do not have this diagnosis are prescribed these drugs.
Is the Wunderink study relevant to those who do not experience psychosis?
Read MoreImportance The increased prescribing of antipsychotics for children and youth has heightened concerns that this practice increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Objective To compare the risk of type 2 diabetes in children and youth 6 to 24 years of age for recent initiators of antipsychotic drugs vs propensity score–matched controls who had recently initiated another psychotropic medication.
Read MoreChildren’s mental health matters! Right now, until Friday May 15, 2013 at 5pm EDT, you can help children by participating in the public comment process on seven pediatric antipsychotic medication use measures. The National Collaborative for Innovation in Quality Measurement (NCINQ) seeks feedback on seven proposed Antipsychotic Medication Use measures being developed for use by state and federal programs.
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