Use of Clozapine in a Child with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

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.