Antipsychotika im Kindes- und Jugendalter: pro und contra.

In the last decade the indication of antipsychotics has been expanded from the treatment of psychoses to the treatment of impulsive-aggressive behaviors in mentally retarded children and adolescents with conduct disorder or autism spectrum disorders. As a consequence the use of antipsychotics in children and adolescents has increased worldwide. This increase of prescriptions is under critical discussion. In this paper the indication and the potential side-effects of antipsychotics in children and adolescents are described. The risks of antipsychotic medication are contrasted with the potential benefits to arrive at rational treatment recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]