A preliminary open trial of olanzapine in paediatric acute and transient psychotic disorders

Acute and transient psychotic disorders (ATPD) have been characterized by the development of florid psychotic symptoms within 2 weeks and complete remission of symptoms. Although there are no definite guidelines, these are usually treated by antipsychotic medication.

This preliminary study examined the effectiveness of olanzapine in paediatric ATPD.

In this 6-week open trial of olanzapine in paediatric ATPD, the patients were rated weekly on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Scale and Dosage Record Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (DOTES).

Twenty-three patients (11 males, 12 females; mean age 14.0+/-1.3 years; range 11-16 years) were included in the study. The mean olanzapine dosage was 12.7+/-3.9 mg/day (range 5-20 mg/day). All the patients showed significant improvement in 6 weeks. The results showed a significant decrease (p< 0.0001) in scores of BPRS (mean at baseline 46.2+/-7.0 to 21.4+/-3.9 at week 6). Severity of illness (CGI) decreased from 4.7+/-0.8 to 1.6+/-0.9 in 6 weeks. Also, global improvement (CGI) showed marked improvement in 14 (60.9%), good improvement in 8 (34.8%) and minimal improvement in 1 (4.3%) patient. Some common side-effects were dryness of mouth (n=14, 60.9%), increase in appetite (n=12, 52%), weight gain (n=12, 52%) and drowsiness (n=8, 34.8%). No patient developed extrapyramidal symptoms.

Olanzapine was safe and effective in paediatric ATPD.