Open AccessAripiprazole monotherapy in an adolescent worsens psychosis
Author(s) -
Mahima Panigrahi,
Susanta Kumar Padhy,
Rajesh Rathi
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
indian journal of pharmacology/the indian journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.286
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1998-3751
pISSN - 0253-7613
DOI - 10.4103/0253-7613.108322
Subject(s) - aripiprazole , psychosis , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , partial agonist , antipsychotic , psychiatry , medicine , psychology , pediatrics , agonist , receptor
Early detection and treatment of early onset schizophrenia (EOS) can lead to better outcome. Aripiprazole, a partial agonist of dopamine and a second generation antipsychotic, has been approved specifically for treatment of children with schizophrenia of aged 13-17 years. Though the use of this drug in adults may be associated with worsening of psychosis in occasional cases, no such data is available in adolescents. We report a case of EOS, who had worsening of psychosis with aripiprazole monotherapy. We discuss the possible mechanisms and clinical implications relevant in adolescents, and alert the clinicians to be vigilant in monitoring the patients on aripiprazole, especially after an increase in the dose of this medication.