However, No Association Found for Antipsychotic Treatment Under 100 mg for Children Aged 5 to 17
A new original investigation by researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine set out to compare the mortality rates for patients aged 5 to 24 years who began treatment with antipsychotic medications versus control psychiatric medications (e.g., α agonists, atomoxetine, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers). This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from over 2 million Medicaid patients who initiated study medication treatment. The investigation found that antipsychotic medication in doses of 100 mg or less or in children aged 5 to 17 years was not associated with an increased risk of death. However, doses greater than 100 mg in young adults aged 18 to 24 years were significantly associated with an increased risk of death, with an additional 127.5 deaths per 100,000 people. The study concluded that the dose-related effects of antipsychotic medications may increase mortality in children and young adults, and that further research should be conducted to determine the optimal dosages for the safe use of antipsychotic medications. The authors suggest their study highlights the importance of careful consideration of the dosage of antipsychotic medications prescribed to children and young adults to prevent adverse outcomes.
