A prospective, open-label trial of olanzapine in adolescents with schizophrenia

Robert L. Findling, Nora K. McNamara, Eric A. Youngstrom, Lisa A. Branicky, Christine A. Demeter, S. Charles Schulz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic that has efficacy in adults with psychotic disorders. This preliminary study examined the effectiveness of olanzapine in adolescents with schizophrenia or its related conditions. Method: Adolescents aged 12-17 years (inclusive) with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizophreniform disorder were enrolled in this 8-week, open-label, outpatient study. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI), and the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) were administered as outcome measures. Extrapyramidal side effects were assessed at each visit. Olanzapine was initiated at a dose of 2.5 mg/day and could be increased to a maximum total daily dose of 20 mg. Results: Sixteen participants with a mean age of 13.8 (SD = 1.5) years were treated. Significant improvements were found in the PANSS, CGI severity, and CGAS scores. Reductions in both positive and negative symptoms were found. Increased appetite and sedation were the most frequently reported side effects. Two subjects required treatment for extrapyramidal side effects. Conclusions: Psychotic symptoms significantiy improved during study. Overall, olanzapine was well tolerated. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings, to assess long-term treatment outcomes, and to compare the effectiveness of olanzapine with that of other antipsychotics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)170-175
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2003

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This study was primarily sponsored by Eli Lilly and was supported in part by a Clinical Research Center Grant from the Stanley Medical Research Institute.

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Olanzapine
  • Schizoaffective disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizophreniform disorder

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