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Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Antipsychotic prescribing: old wine in new bottles?
Shermin Imran1, Soumitra Shankar Datta2, Elaine Vincent1
1Young Persons' Directorate, Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
Background:
Recent research suggests first generation antipsychotic medications may be no less effective or tolerated than second generation antipsychotics.
Aims:
To review prescribing practices in UK adolescent mental health settings.
Method:
A review of literature and a postal survey (structured questionnaire) of clinicians in UK adolescent mental health settings (80 general and specialised in-patient units) were conducted.
Results:
Second generation antipsychotics remain the drug of first choice for most UK clinicians (based on a survey response rate of 40%).
Conclusions:
Guidelines for antipsychotic use in adolescents need updating. Clinicians who qualified in the last 10 years may need specific training and experience in use of first generation antipsychotics.
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