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Use of Clozapine in a Child with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Thomas H. MacEwan  and
Michael J. S. Morton
Thomas H. MacEwan
Affiliation:
Department of Family Psychiatry, Glencaple Road, Dumfries, DG1 4TE
Michael J. S. Morton*
Affiliation:
Department of Family Psychiatry, Glencaple Road, Dumfries, DG1 4TE
*
Dr M. J. S. Morton, Ladyfield, Child and Family Health, Glencaple Road, Dumfries DG1 4TE
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Abstract

Background

Schizophrenia can be diagnosed in adults and requires treatment with antipsychotic medication. Clozapine is used effectively in adults with treatment-resistant schizophrenia but little is published on the use of clozapine in children.

Method

Supported by parental consent and a second opinion, standardised observations were used to chart the progress of treatment with clozapine in a child in-patient detained under mental health legislation with severe drug-resistant schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia.

Results

Sixteen months of clozapine treatment led to significant reduction of symptomatology with marked improvement in social functioning and diminished tardive dyskinesia.

Conclusions

This case illustrates the successful use of clozapine in treatment-resistant childhood schizophrenia.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 168 , Issue 3 , March 1996 , pp. 376 - 378
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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