Treatment recommendations for the use of antipsychotics for aggressive youth (TRAAY). Part II

Beyond the Off-Label: A Systematic Review of What We Know About Clozapine Use for Children

Introduction: It is essential not to delay behavior management and control for aggression, violence, and impulsive behavior in young people. Clozapine has been widely used in adolescents and adults to manage violence and aggression in Schizophrenia. However, there are limited data on the use of clozapine in children, and no systematic review has addressed its use in this population. Objective and Methods: To better understand the conditions under which clozapine is used as a therapeutic alternative for nonschizophrenic diagnoses and to assess the current evidence supporting its prescription to children, a systematic review was conducted. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO under the ID CRD42024537707. Results: The review identified that all the studies used clozapine to address externalizing behavior, particularly aggressive behavior, and found positive outcomes supporting its use for treating children with treatment-resistant aggression. The studies also found that clozapine was well-tolerated in all cases. However, the studies were limited and mainly consisted of open trials without a control group. Conclusion: Further high-quality research is needed to establish precise guidelines for using clozapine in children.

Atypical Antipsychotic Prescribing in Australian Children and Adolescents: A Survey of Medical Practitioners

OBJECTIVE

Prescriptions for atypical antipsychotics in children and adolescents are increasing globally. However, a precise understanding of the clinical variables and evidence that prescribers consider before using these agents is lacking. While empirical literature on the long-term safety and efficacy of these medications is available, the literature concerning their use in these younger age groups is relatively sparse. In this study, we examined the current prescribing patterns of medical professionals employed by a public health service in Australia.

METHODS

A survey examining their current practice when prescribing atypical antipsychotics to children and adolescents was completed by 103 physicians. Questions were asked about commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotics, indications, dose ranges, target symptoms, duration of treatment, and the evidence base(s) used when making treatment decisions.

RESULTS

Physicians prescribed atypical antipsychotics for a wide range of indications in this age group, with the most common agents being risperidone, quetiapine, and olanzapine. Adverse effects were reported as the main reason for treatment discontinuation. More than half of the respondents indicated that the most common source of guidance/evidence they referred to when initiating prescriptions were peers or expert opinion.

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adolescents were prescribed a number of atypical antipsychotics for a variety of indications, with variable perceived confidence and a relatively heavy reliance on "own or peer experience" as opposed to good quality evidence. Challenges exist for both prescribers and policymakers, and further "head-to-head" studies are needed in this age group to ensure that a balance is maintained between therapeutic benefit and safety.

Decision-making among adolescents prescribed antipsychotic medications: Interviews to gain perspectives of youth without psychosis or mania

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to understand the experiences of youth who had been prescribed antipsychotics but did not have psychosis, mania, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disability.

METHODS

Twenty-three qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with youth aged 11-18 who had been prescribed an antipsychotic medication but did not have a diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disability. Participants were recruited from four U.S. healthcare systems participating in the pragmatic trial Safer Use of Antipsychotics in Youth (SUAY). Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using template analysis techniques.

RESULTS

Prior to initiating an antipsychotic medication, most participants experienced behavioral health crises; many felt that they had no options other than to start the medication. Other core themes included: (1) antipsychotics had both positive psychosocial outcomes, such as improvement of family life, and adverse effects, such as drowsiness or weight gain, (2) antipsychotics were only one part of a broader treatment plan, (3) efforts were made to maximize benefits and minimize side effects through careful titration, (4) feedback from friends and family was important in the decision to continue.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provide valuable insights into how to engage youth in conversations around the use of antipsychotics.

A Critical Review of the Psychomotor Agitation Treatment in Youth

(1) Background: To systematically review evidence on the safety and efficacy of psychopharmacological treatments available for psychomotor agitation (PA) in children and adolescents. (2) Methods: Studies assessing the safety and efficacy of psychopharmacological treatments for acute PA in children and adolescents that were published between January 1984 and June 2022 on PubMed were systematically reviewed. We included: (i) papers that presented a combination of the search terms specified in the "Search strategy" sub-paragraph; (ii) manuscripts in English; (iii) original papers; (iv) prospective or retrospective/observational studies and experimental or quasi-experimental reports. The exclusion criteria were: (i) review papers; (ii) non-original studies including editorials and book reviews; (iii) studies not specifically designed and focused on the selected topic. (3) Results: We selected 42 papers: 11 case series (11/42, 26.19%), 8 chart reviews (8/42, 19.05%), 8 case reports (8/42, 19.05%), 6 double-blind placebo-controlled randomized studies (6/42, 14.29%), 4 double-blind controlled randomized studies (4/42, 9.52%), 4 open-label trials (4/42, 9.52%) and 1 case control (1/42, 2.38%). (4) Conclusions: The drugs most frequently used to treat agitation in children and adolescents were ziprasidone, risperidone, aripiprazole, olanzapine and valproic acid. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy/safety ratio, considering the limited number of observations in this field.

Best Practices for Evaluation and Treatment of Agitated Children and Adolescents (BETA) in the Emergency Department: Consensus Statement of the American Association for Emergency Psychiatry

Introduction

Agitation in children and adolescents in the emergency department (ED) can be dangerous and distressing for patients, family and staff. We present consensus guidelines for management of agitation among pediatric patients in the ED, including non-pharmacologic methods and the use of immediate and as-needed medications.

Methods

Using the Delphi method of consensus, a workgroup comprised of 17 experts in emergency child and adolescent psychiatry and psychopharmacology from the the American Association for Emergency Psychiatry and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Emergency Child Psychiatry Committee sought to create consensus guidelines for the management of acute agitation in children and adolescents in the ED.

Results

Consensus found that there should be a multimodal approach to managing agitation in the ED, and that etiology of agitation should drive choice of treatment. We describe general and specific recommendations for medication use.

Conclusion

These guidelines describing child and adolescent psychiatry expert consensus for the management of agitation in the ED may be of use to pediatricians and emergency physicians who are without immediate access to psychiatry consultation.Reprinted from West J Emerg Med 2019; 20:409-418, with permission from the authors. Copyright © 2019.

Updates in the Assessment and Management of Agitation

Agitated patients can be dangerous to themselves and others. In fact, severe medical complications and death can occur with severe agitation. Because of this, agitation is considered a medical and psychiatric emergency. Regardless of the treatment setting, identifying the agitated patient early is a necessary skill. The authors review relevant literature regarding the identification and management of agitation and summarize current recommendations for adults, as well as children and adolescents.

Pediatric Off-Label Antipsychotic Use for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

PURPOSE

Off-label antipsychotic use for behavioral symptoms in pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) poses safety concerns, and evidence to support such use is limited. This study aims to investigate the risk of off-label antipsychotic use associated with comorbid disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) among a cohort of youth with ADHD.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted using IQVIA PharMetrics Plus for Academics data from 2007 to 2020. Youth 5 to 15 years of age at the index ADHD visit were included in the cohort. The index ADHD visit meets at least 1 of the following criteria: (1) 1 inpatient ADHD visit, (2) 2 outpatient ADHD visits within 90 days, or (3) an ADHD medication prescription fill within 30 days of an outpatient ADHD visit. We excluded youth who had a diagnosis of DBD or a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved indication for antipsychotics at baseline. Youth were followed up until antipsychotic initiation or were censored at a loss of coverage, receipt of an FDA-indicated diagnosis, or end of the study. A Cox proportional hazards regression model with DBD as a time-varying covariate estimated the hazard of antipsychotic use after the index ADHD visit.

FINDINGS

Of 41,098 youth with ADHD who met the study criteria, 4557 were diagnosed with DBD during follow-up. The incidence of antipsychotic initiation was 19.6 (95% CI, 18.7- 20.5) per 1000 person-years. After adjustment for baseline covariates, the hazard ratio of antipsychotic initiation associated with DBD was 4.64 (95% CI, 4.15-5.18).

IMPLICATIONS

Antipsychotic use among youth with ADHD is more likely in the presence of DBD, suggesting that an off-label use is for behavior problems.

The Complexity of Psychotropic Medication Prescription and Treating Trauma Among Youth in Foster Care: Perspectives from the Lived Experience

Youth in the US foster care system are disproportionately prescribed antipsychotic and psychotropic medication compared to youth not involved with foster care. Research on the relationship between experiences of trauma, mental health symptoms, evidence-based treatment, and safe psychotropic prescribing practices for youth in foster care is limited. We explored stakeholders' perspectives of the relationship between psychotropic medications and trauma informed care (TIC) for youth in foster care. We conducted semi-structured individual and group interviews with foster caregivers, caseworkers, prescribing clinicians, and alumni of the foster care system. Data were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. Five themes emerged across and within stakeholder groups: (1) acknowledging trauma; (2) role of psychotropic medication; (3) psychosocial resources; (4) additional supports; and, (5) training and education. Stakeholders identified TIC as an important component of mental health services for youth in foster care. There was not consensus around the role of psychotropic medication in treating trauma; however, most stakeholders felt that it was overused. Respondents suggested including additional supportive team members to help guide youth through the mental health treatment system, and emphasized the importance of support from individuals with common lived experiences. Results demonstrate the need for a system that emphasizes trauma-sensitive clinical interactions and psychosocial supports. Improving training and education for stakeholders, and providing additional sources of support for youth in foster care, could help better identify and treat the effects of trauma and the safe pharmacotherapy for youth in foster care.

Editorial: From Bipolar Disorder to Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: Challenges to Diagnostic and Treatment Specificity in Traumatized Youths

This valuable contribution by Findling et al. reports on trends in diagnostic patterns since the inclusion of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) in the DSM-5. As the authors note, the introduction of the DMDD diagnosis was designed to address the problematic over-diagnosis of bipolar disorder and the associated rise in antipsychotic and polypharmacy use in youths.¹ Using a large, national, electronic health record database (n = 14,157), this study showed a clear increase in the treated prevalence of DMDD from 2016 to 2018 (0.08-0.35%, p < .0001) coupled with a decrease in the treated prevalence of bipolar disorder from 2015 to 2018 (0.42%-0.36%, p < .0001).¹ This suggests that the introduction of DMDD did seem to achieve the aim of reducing the rates of bipolar diagnoses. In what is discouraging but not surprising news, the study demonstrates a troubling increase in the use of antipsychotics (58.9% DMDD vs 51.0% bipolar disorder) and polypharmacy in the DMDD cohort compared to the bipolar disorder cohort (45.0% DMDD vs 37.4% bipolar disorder).¹.

Management of Emotion Dysregulation and Outbursts in Children and Adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Emotion dysregulation and outbursts are very common reasons for referral to child and adolescent mental health services and a frequent cause of admission to hospitals and residential programs. Symptoms of emotion dysregulation and outburst are transdiagnostic, associated with many disorders, have the potential to cause severe impairment and their management presents a major challenge in clinical practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are an increasing number of psychosocial interventions that demonstrate promise in improving emotion dysregulation and outbursts. Acute care systems to manage the most severely ill patients have limited best practice guidelines but program advancements indicate opportunities to improve care models. Pharmacotherapy may be of assistance to psychosocial interventions but must be used with caution due to potential adverse effects. Much remains to be discovered however evidence informed, targeted treatments for specific populations show potential for future improvements in outcomes.

Development of a Symptom-Focused Model to Guide the Prescribing of Antipsychotics in Children and Adolescents: Results of the First Phase of the Safer Use of Antipsychotics in Youth (SUAY) Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To develop a new approach to prescribing guidelines as part of a pragmatic trial, Safer Use of Antipsychotics in Youth (SUAY; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03448575), which supports prescribers in delivering high-quality mental health care to youths.

METHOD

A nominal group technique was used to identify first- to nth-line treatments for target symptoms and potential diagnoses. The panel included US pediatricians, child and adolescent psychiatrists, and psychopharmacology experts. Meeting materials included information about Medicaid review programs, systematic reviews, prescribing guidelines, and a description of the pragmatic trial. Afterward, a series of 4 webinar discussions were held to achieve consensus on recommendations.

RESULTS

The panel unanimously agreed that the guideline should focus on target symptoms rather than diagnoses. Guidance included recommendations for first- to nth-line treatment of target mental health symptoms, environmental factors to be addressed, possible underlying diagnoses that should first be considered and ruled out, and general considerations for pharmacological and therapeutic treatments.

CONCLUSION

Prescribing guidelines are often ignored because they do not incorporate the real-world availability of first-line psychosocial treatments, comorbid conditions, and clinical complexity. Our approach addresses some of these concerns. If the approach proves successful in our ongoing pragmatic trial, Safer Use of Antipsychotics in Youth (SUAY), it may serve as a model to state Medicaid programs and health systems to support clinicians in delivering high-quality mental health care to youths.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Safer Use of Antipsychotics in Youth; http://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT03448575.

Closing the gap: unmet needs of individuals with impulsive aggressive behavior observed in children and adolescents

Impulsive aggressive (IA, or impulsive aggression) behavior describes an aggregate set of maladaptive, aggressive behaviors occurring across multiple neuropsychiatric disorders. IA is reactive, eruptive, sudden, and unplanned; it provides information about the severity, but not the nature, of its associated primary disorder. IA in children and adolescents is of serious clinical concern for patients, families, and physicians, given the detrimental impact pediatric IA can have on development. Currently, the ability to properly identify, monitor, and treat IA behavior across clinical populations is hindered by two major roadblocks: (1) the lack of an assessment tool designed for and sensitive to the set of behaviors comprising IA, and (2) the absence of a treatment indicated for IA symptomatology. In this review, we discuss the clinical gaps in the approach to monitoring and treating IA behavior, and highlight emerging solutions that may improve clinical outcomes in patients with IA.

A Double-Blind, Randomized Study of Extended-Release Molindone for Impulsive Aggression in ADHD

Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of SPN-810 (extended-release molindone) in a Phase-2b, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study of children (6-12 years) with ADHD and persistent impulsive aggression (IA). Method: After lead-in, children were randomized to (a) placebo (N = 31); (b) low-dose (N = 29, 12/18 mg/day); (c) medium-dose (N = 30, 24/36 mg/day); and (4) high-dose (N = 31, 36/54 mg/day) groups. Treatment included ~2.5-week titration, 3-week maintenance, and 1-week tapering/conversion, alongside existing monotherapy (stimulants/nonstimulants) and behavioral therapy. The primary endpoint was change in Retrospective-Modified Overt Aggression Scale (R-MOAS) score at end of study, with safety monitored. Results: A total of 95 (78.5%) children completed the study. Aggression (R-MOAS) improved with low and medium doses (low dose: p = .031; medium dose: p = .024; high dose: p = .740). The most common adverse events were headache (10.0%), sedation (8.9%), and increased appetite (7.8%). Conclusion: These results suggest SPN-810 may be effective in reducing residual IA behaviors in children with ADHD. Research is still needed to support the benefit-risk profile of SPN-810 in pediatric populations.

Antipsychotic Treatment Duration in Children and Adolescents: A Register-Based Nationwide Study

Objective: Despite the increasing use of antipsychotic drugs in children and adolescents in many countries, little is known about the treatment duration in this vulnerable population. The present nationwide study investigated the duration of antipsychotic treatment and factors associated with treatment discontinuation in Finnish children and adolescents. Methods: All subjects aged 1-17 years who had started a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) drug (risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole, or olanzapine) between January 2008 and December 2016 (n = 20,932) were extracted from the Finnish Prescription Registry and followed up until December 31, 2017. Treatment duration was calculated as the time between the initial purchase of medication and treatment discontinuation. Treatment was considered discontinued if the treatment-free gap was more than 270 days. The associations between explanatory factors and treatment discontinuation were analyzed with the Cox proportional hazards models. Results: The mean and median treatment durations were 509 days (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 500-517 days) and 317 days (95% CI: 306-325 days), respectively. The duration was shorter in girls than in boys (p < 0.001). Of all SGA users, 35.1% used antipsychotics less than 50 days and 16.0% used more than 600 days. Shorter treatment duration was associated with age groups of 7-12 and 13-15 years compared with 1-6 years (hazard ratio [HR]:1.23 [95% CI: 1.11-1.36]; HR: 1.35 [95% CI: 1.21-1.51], respectively) and initiating treatment with quetiapine or olanzapine compared with risperidone (HR: 1.18 [95% CI: 1.12-1.25]; HR: 1.66 [95% CI 1.46-1.88], respectively). Switching of SGA drug during treatment was associated with longer treatment duration (HR: 0.40 [95% CI: 0.38-0.43]). Conclusions: In children and adolescents, the mean treatment duration of SGAs was relatively long given that the majority of SGA use was off-label. Older age and initiating treatment with quetiapine were associated with earlier treatment discontinuation, whereas switching of antipsychotic drug during therapy increased the possibility of longer SGA use.

Psychopharmacology of Treating Explosive Behavior

Explosive and aggressive behavior in children can pose safety risks, disturb family functioning, and lead to significant impairments. Pharmacologic management should be based on the first-line treatment of the primary psychiatric diagnoses of the patient and initiated in combination with appropriate psychosocial interventions. Review of the literature suggests that risperidone has the most supporting evidence in the treatment of explosive behavior. Stimulants have been shown to be helpful in the treatment of explosive behavior in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Medication treatment can be associated with significant side effects and therefore the risks and benefits of medication management must be weighed carefully.

Dysregulation and Suicide in Children and Adolescents

Suicide rates continue to rise among children and adolescents; suicide is the second leading cause of death in the United States. Although research studies have identified factors associated with suicide risks for youths, none distinguishes those who have suicidal ideation from those who most likely will make an attempt or die by suicide. Most studies focus on psychiatric diagnoses associated with suicide risks. Recent studies suggest that cross-cutting symptom profiles may be a stronger predictor of risks for suicide than diagnosis. This article provides an overview of emotional dysregulation as it relates to suicidal ideation, intent, and behaviors for youth.

Polypharmacy in the Management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Review and Update

Objective: Prescription of multiple medications concurrently for children and adolescents has increased in recent years. Examination of this practice has been undervalued relative to its incidence. This article reviews studies investigating effectiveness of medication combinations for youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: A literature search identified studies that combined two or more prescribed medications for the treatment of ADHD. Included studies focused on youth; had study design of randomized controlled trial (RCT), nonrandomized trial, or case review (n > 10); and included an outcome measure of treatment effectiveness. Results: Thirty-nine pertinent studies were identified. All studies combined two medications, with the vast majority including a stimulant (n = 37). The largest group (n = 16) combined stimulant and alpha-agonist, finding greater efficacy than alpha-agonist alone but not stimulant alone in all cases. A few RCTs found benefit from the addition of risperidone or divalproex to stimulant for comorbid aggression. Four studies adding atomoxetine found mixed reports of benefit, including the only small RCT showing no benefit. RCTs with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors found minimal evidence of benefit for mood or anxiety comorbidities. Conclusion: The best studied combination is stimulant and alpha-agonist; addition of alpha-agonist to stimulant seems effective for residual symptoms of ADHD. Stimulant plus risperidone has the most evidence of efficacy for comorbid aggression or disruptive behavior. Limited support exists for the effectiveness of other medication combinations, including no trials studying three or more medications concurrently. Combinations frequently yielded more side effects, leaving monotherapy preferable if a sufficient treatment response can be achieved.

The Burden of Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain and Metabolic Syndrome in Children

Antipsychotic medications are critical to child and adolescent psychiatry, from the stabilization of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression to behavioral treatment of autism spectrum disorder, tic disorders, and pediatric aggression. While effective, these medications carry serious risk of adverse events-most commonly, weight gain and cardiometabolic abnormalities. Negative metabolic consequences affect up to 60% of patients and present a major obstacle to long-term treatment. Since antipsychotics are often chronically prescribed beginning in childhood, cardiometabolic risk accumulates. An increased susceptibility to antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) has been repeatedly documented in children, particularly rapid weight gain. Associated cardiometabolic abnormalities include central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation. Lifestyle interventions and medications such as metformin have been proposed to reduce risk but remain limited in efficacy. Furthermore, antipsychotic medications touted to be weight-neutral in adults can cause substantial weight gain in children. A better understanding of the biological underpinnings of AIWG could inform targeted and potentially more fruitful treatments; however, little is known about the underlying mechanism. As yet, modest genetic studies have nominated a few risk genes that explain only a small percentage of the risk. Recent investigations have begun to explore novel potential mechanisms of AIWG, including a role for gut microbiota and microbial metabolites. This article reviews the problem of AIWG and AP metabolic side effects in pediatric populations, proposed mechanisms underlying this serious side effect, and strategies to mitigate adverse impact. We suggest future directions for research efforts that may advance the field and lead to improved clinical interventions.

Stepped Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Aggressive Behavior: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Adjunctive Risperidone, Divalproex Sodium, or Placebo After Stimulant Medication Optimization

OBJECTIVE

Stimulant medications are the most prevalent first-line pharmacotherapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but children with aggressive behavior often receive multiagent treatment. There is sparse evidence for the benefits of adjunctive medications when stimulant monotherapy provides inadequate benefit for aggressive behavior, yet the adverse effects of common adjuncts are well established. This study compared the efficacy in reducing aggressive behavior of risperidone (RISP), divalproex sodium (DVPX), and placebo (PBO) added to stimulant medication among childrenwhose symptoms persisted after individually optimized stimulant treatment.

METHOD

This trial enrolled 6- to 12-year-old with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a disruptive disorder, significant aggressive behavior, and prior stimulant treatment. Open, systematically titrated stimulant treatment identified patients with inadequate reductions in aggressive behavior, who were then randomly assigned to receive adjunctive RISP, DVPX, or PBO under double-blinded conditions for 8 weeks. Family-based behavioral treatment was offered throughout the trial. The primary outcome was the parent-completed Retrospective Modified Overt Aggression Scale.

RESULTS

Participants included 175 children (mean [SD] age 9.48 [2.04] years, 19% female). Of participants, 151 completed the stimulant optimization phase, with aggression remitting among 96 (63%), and 45 were randomly assigned to adjunctive treatment groups. The adjunctive RISP group showed greater reductions in aggression ratings than the PBO group (least squares means difference [ΔLSM], -2.33; 95% CI, -3.83 to -0.82; effect size [ES], -1.32), as did the DVPX group (ΔLSM, -1.60; 95% CI, -3.18 to -0.03; ES, -0.91). Mean standardized body mass index scores increased more among RISP-treated participants than participants receiving PBO (ΔLSM, 1.54; 95% CI, 0.68 to 2.40; ES, 0.58).

CONCLUSION

High response rate during the trial's open stimulant optimization phase suggests that rigorous titration of stimulant medication and concurrent behavioral therapy may avert the need for additional medications. Among nonremitters, RISP and DVPX were efficacious adjunctive treatments, although RISP was associated with weight gain.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Effectiveness of Combined Medication Treatment for Aggression in Children With Attention Deficit With Hyperactivity Disorder (The SPICY Study); https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT00794625.

Guideline Adherence of Monitoring Antipsychotic Use for Nonpsychotic Indications in Children and Adolescents: A Patient Record Review

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotics are frequently prescribed to children and adolescents for nonpsychotic indications. Guidelines recommend regularly assessing treatment response and adverse effects and the ongoing need for their use. We aimed to assess adherence to recommendations of available guidelines regarding monitoring antipsychotic use and to test the influence of children's age, sex, intelligence quotient, and diagnosis on adherence.

METHODS

We reviewed 426 medical records from 26 centers within 3 large Dutch child and adolescent psychiatry organizations, excluding children with schizophrenia, psychosis, mania, or an intelligence quotient below 70. We investigated whether there was regular assessment of treatment response, adverse events (physical and laboratory), and at least annual discussion of the need of continued use.

RESULTS

On average, treatment response was assessed in 69.3% of the recommended treatment periods, height in 25.6%, weight in 30.6%, blood pressure in 20.6%, evaluation of adverse events in 19.4%, and cardiometabolic measures in 13.7%; discontinuation and/or continued need was discussed at least annually in 36.2%. Extrapyramidal and prolactin-related adverse effects, waist circumference, glucose, and lipids were rarely investigated. Higher age was associated with lower rates of assessment of treatment response. Most antipsychotics were prescribed long-term. In those children with sufficient documentation of the course of treatment, 57.7% was still using an antipsychotic 3 years after initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate insufficient adherence to guideline recommendations for monitoring antipsychotic use in children and adolescents, as well as long duration of use in the majority of children. Especially, older children are at higher risk of receiving suboptimal care.

A best-worst scaling experiment to identify patient-centered claims-based outcomes for evaluation of pediatric antipsychotic monitoring programs

Objective

This article employs a best‐worst scaling (BWS) experiment to identify the claims‐based outcomes that matter most to patients and other relevant parties when evaluating pediatric antipsychotic monitoring programs in the United States.

Data Sources

Patients and relevant parties, with pediatric antipsychotic oversight and treatment experience, completed a BWS experiment, including policymakers (n = 31), foster care alumni (n = 28), caseworkers (n = 23), prescribing clinicians (n = 32), and caregivers (n = 18).

Study Design

Respondents received surveys with a scenario on antipsychotic monitoring programs and ranked 11 candidate claims‐based outcomes as most and least important for program evaluation.

Data Analysis

Stratified by respondent group, best‐worst scores were calculated to identify the relative importance of the claims‐based outcomes. A conditional logit examined whether candidate outcomes for safety, quality, and unintended consequences were preferred over reduction in antipsychotic treatment, the outcome used most often to evaluate antipsychotic monitoring programs.

Principal Findings

Safety indicators (eg, antipsychotic co‐pharmacy, cross‐class polypharmacy, higher than recommended doses) ranked among the top three candidate outcomes across respondent groups and were an important complement to antipsychotic treatment reduction. Foster care alumni prioritized “antipsychotic treatment reduction” and “increased psychosocial treatment.” Caseworkers, prescribers, and caregivers prioritized “increased follow‐up after treatment initiation.” Potential unintended consequences of an antipsychotic monitoring program ranked lowest, including increased use of other psychotropic medication classes (as a substitute), increased psychiatric hospital stays, and increased emergency room utilization. Results of the conditional logit model found only caregivers significantly preferred other indicators over antipsychotic treatment reduction, preferring improvements in follow‐up care (5.78) and psychosocial treatment (4.53) and reduction in prescriptions of higher than recommended doses (3.64).

Conclusions

The BWS experiment supported rank ordering of candidate claims‐based outcomes demonstrating the opportunity for future studies to align outcomes used in antipsychotic monitoring program evaluations with community preferences, specifically by diversifying metrics to include safety and quality indicators.

Safer use of antipsychotics in youth (SUAY) pragmatic trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Programs such as the Pediatric Access Line in Washington state have shown decreases in antipsychotic medication use by youth with non-psychotic disorders. Program outcomes have been studied with observational designs. This manuscript describes the protocol for Targeted and Safer Use of Antipsychotics in Youth (SUAY), a randomized controlled trial of psychiatrist review of prescriptions and facilitated access to psychosocial care. The aim of the intervention is to reduce the number of person-days of antipsychotic use among participants.

METHODS

Recruitment occurs at 4 health systems. Targeted enrollment is 800 youth aged 3-17 years. Clinicians are block randomized to intervention versus usual care prior to the study. Youth are nested within the arm of the prescribing clinician. Clinicians in the intervention group receive an EHR-based best practice alert with options to expedite access to psychosocial care and all medication orders are reviewed by a child and adolescent psychiatrist with feedback provided to the prescriber. The primary outcome is person-days of antipsychotic medication use in the 6 months following the initial order. All randomized individuals contribute data regardless of their level of participation (including declining all services).

DISCUSSION

The trial has been approved by the institutional review boards at each of the 4 sites. The intervention has 4 novel design features including automated recruitment using a best practice alert, psychiatrist medication order review and consultation, telephone navigation to psychosocial care, and telemental health visits. Recruitment began in March of 2018 and will be completed in June 2020. Follow-up will be completed December 31, 2020.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03448575.

Risperidone in the management of agitation and aggression associated with psychiatric disorders

Objective

This review provides an overview of the prevalence and treatment of agitation and aggression, and focuses on the use of risperidone to treat these symptoms in patients from different age groups.

Methods

MEDLINE® and EMBASE® databases were used to identify controlled studies of risperidone in the treatment of disruptive behavior disorders and pervasive developmental disorders in pediatric patients, acute agitation or aggression in adults, and psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia in the elderly. Additionally, key open-label, long-term trials assessing the efficacy and safety of risperidone were considered.

Results

The results of the 19 double-blind studies identified showed that risperidone is effective in treating agitation and aggression in the different populations, regardless of age. The safety and tolerability of risperidone appear to be good overall but certain safety issues, such as a higher risk of cerebrovascular adverse events in the elderly with dementia, were highlighted.

Conclusions

Risperidone is useful for treating aggression and agitation associated with various psychiatric disorders in patients from different age groups.

Prescribing antipsychotics in child and adolescent psychiatry: guideline adherence

Antipsychotics are often prescribed to children and adolescents, mostly off-label. We aimed to assess adherence to recommendations of guidelines for antipsychotic prescription. We reviewed 436 medical records from 155 clinicians from 26 clinics within three Dutch child and adolescent psychiatry organizations (n = 398 outpatient, n = 38 inpatient care). We assessed target symptoms, diagnostic process, prior and concomitant treatment, and consideration of contra-indications. Multiple logistic regression assessed the role of age, sex, and psychiatric diagnosis on adherence to three main recommendations: to (1) prescribe antipsychotics only after other treatments proved insufficient, (2) always combine antipsychotics with psychosocial interventions, and (3) not prescribe multiple antipsychotics simultaneously. Most patients received off-label antipsychotics. Main target symptoms were inattention/hyperactivity (25%), aggression (24%), and other disruptive behaviors (41%). Most patients underwent diagnostic evaluation before the first prescription; however, screening of contra-indications was low (0.2-19%). About 84% had previously received psychosocial treatment and 48% other psychoactive medication, but 9% had not received any treatment. Notably, only 37% continuously received concomitant psychosocial treatment. Simultaneous use of multiple antipsychotics occurred in 3.2%. Younger children were at higher risk of non-adherence to guideline recommendations regarding prior and concomitant treatment, children with autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder more likely not to receive concomitant psychosocial treatment. Sex did not significantly affect adherence. Our findings implicate insufficient adherence to important recommendations regarding antipsychotic use in children and adolescents. Especially younger children are at higher risk of receiving suboptimal care. There is an urgency to consistently offer psychosocial interventions during antipsychotic treatment.

Understanding Chronic Aggression and Its Treatment in Children and Adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Youth aggression is common and has a significant burden on individuals, families, and society. However, its treatment is often a challenge for clinicians. Thus, this review will examine the current understanding of youth aggression, conceptualize aggression as a symptom rather than its own disorder, and provide an overview of treatment strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Youth aggression is associated with complex genetic, neurobiological, and environmental risks. Prevention strategies are of the utmost importance for at-risk families and youth. Psychosocial interventions are the first line treatment. But if not fully effective, then pharmacologic interventions-including psychostimulants, alpha-2 agonists, atomoxetine, and risperidone-have shown benefits. Other medications, such as SSRIs, can be useful in certain scenarios. It is important to conceptualize youth aggression as being a trans-diagnostic symptom in psychopathology. Determining the underlying cause of aggression will help to guide treatment.

Use and Characteristics of Antipsychotic/Methylphenidate Combination Therapy in Children and Adolescents with a Diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVE

Children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently have comorbidities that are potential indications for antipsychotics (APs). Some studies have suggested that the combined use of methylphenidate (MPH) and APs is increasing in this population group. Longitudinal analyses and in-depth investigations on the substance level are lacking. This study aimed to estimate the cumulative proportion of concomitant AP/MPH use in children and adolescents with ADHD over a follow-up of up to 9 years and to describe patient characteristics stratified by specific AP drug.

METHODS

Based on claims data, concomitant AP/MPH use was identified among 67,595 children and adolescents with ADHD starting MPH treatment between 2005 and 2013. Characteristics and diagnoses-including those indicating appropriateness of AP use according to approved indications and/or guidelines-were examined at the time of first AP/MPH combination therapy. In addition, subsequent use of AP/MPH combination therapy was evaluated.

RESULTS

The cumulative proportion of individuals with any AP/MPH combination therapy rose to over 6% within 9 years after initiating MPH. The most frequent APs first used in combination with MPH were risperidone (72%), pipamperone (15%), and tiapride (8%). Percentages of psychiatric hospitalization in the year preceding the first combination therapy with MPH were 33%, 43%, and 19%, respectively. The proportion of individuals with potentially appropriate use was high (>72%) in risperidone/MPH and tiapride/MPH and low (15%) in pipamperone/MPH combination users. Conduct disorders and tic disorders were frequent in users who were prescribed MPH with risperidone and tiapride, respectively. One-quarter of patients with AP/MPH combination therapy were one-time-only combination users.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that a considerable proportion of children and adolescents with ADHD receive MPH in combination with APs and that this is a factor not only during the first years of MPH treatment. ADHD guidelines should specify algorithms concerning the use of AP medication.

Application of the Impulsive Aggression Diary in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Objective: Impulsive aggression (IA) is a maladaptive form of aggressive behavior that is an associated feature of neuropsychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As one of the most common forms of aggressive behavior, IA is a serious clinical concern. Recognition, monitoring, and management of IA symptoms are complicated by the lack of IA-specific psychometric instruments and evidence-based treatments. A recently developed electronic observer-reported outcome instrument has been validated in children for monitoring the frequency of 15 IA-related behaviors in the context of ADHD. This study seeks to first determine if the behaviors included in the pediatric IA diary are applicable to adolescents with ADHD, and second, compare the reliability of adolescent versus parent reporters. Methods: We evaluated the utility of the pediatric IA diary through concept elicitation and cognitive interviews with 17 pairs of parents and adolescents (aged 13-17 years) with IA and ADHD, supplemented with 15 new behaviors potentially applicable to adolescents. Results: The behaviors most frequently reported by adolescents included arguing (93.8%), raising their voice/shouting/yelling (93.8%), hitting others (87.5%), slamming (87.5%), pushing/shoving (81.3%), breaking (75.0%), fighting (75.0%), throwing (75.0%), and cursing (68.8%). The behaviors most commonly reported by parents included raising their voice/shouting/yelling (94.1%), arguing (88.2%), being disrespectful/mean/rude (88.2%), slamming (88.2%), throwing (88.2%), cursing (82.4%), hitting others (82.4%), pushing/shoving (82.4%), breaking (76.5%), name-calling (76.5%), and threatening (70.6%). Of all commonly reported behaviors, only being "disrespectful/mean/rude" and "breaking" are not part of the pediatric IA diary, likely due to the imprecision of these terms. No significant usability issues were found for the IA diary device. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the 15-item pediatric IA diary should be applicable to adolescent populations to appropriately characterize IA behaviors in individuals with ADHD. Furthermore, this study indicated that parents may be more reliable reporters of IA behavior than adolescents.

Maladaptive Aggression: With a Focus on Impulsive Aggression in Children and Adolescents

Objective: Aggressive behavior is among the most common reasons for referral to psychiatric clinics and confers significant burden on individuals. Aggression remains poorly defined; there is currently no consensus on the best ways to recognize, diagnose, and treat aggression in clinical settings. In this review, we synthesize the available literature on aggression in children and adolescents and propose the concept of impulsive aggression (IA) as an important construct associated with diverse and enduring psychopathology. Methods: Articles were identified and screened from online repositories, including PubMed, PsychInfo, the Cochrane Database, EMBase, and relevant book chapters, using combinations of search terms such as "aggression," "aggressive behavio(u)r," "maladaptive aggression," "juvenile," and "developmental trajectory." These were evaluated for quality of research before being incorporated into the article. The final report references 142 sources, published from 1987 to 2019. Results: Aggression can be either adaptive or maladaptive in nature, and the latter may require psychosocial and biomedical interventions when it occurs in the context of central nervous system psychopathology. Aggression can be categorized into various subtypes, including reactive/proactive, overt/covert, relational, and IA. IA in psychiatric or neurological disorders is reviewed along with current treatments, and an algorithm for systematic evaluation of aggression in the clinical setting is proposed. Conclusions: IA is a treatable form of maladaptive aggression that is distinct from other aggression subtypes. It occurs across diverse psychiatric and neurological diagnoses and affects a substantial subpopulation. IA can serve as an important construct in clinical practice and has considerable potential to advance research.

Clozapine in the Treatment of Aggression in Conduct Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Trial

Objective

This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of clozapine vs. risperidone in the treatment of aggression in conduct disorder in children and adolescents.

Methods

Twenty-four children with conduct disorder aged 6 to 16 years were randomized in a prospective, double-blind trial into two groups to receive clozapine or risperidone for 16 weeks. The Modified Overt Aggression Scale score was used as the primary outcome of the study. Secondary outcomes were Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) externalization (CBCL-E) and internalization factors; Aggression, Hyperactivity and Delinquency subscales of CBCL-E, Child Global Assessment Scale (CGAS), Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale, and Simpson-Angus Scale.

Results

Both antipsychotics were similarly effective in the primary outcome and in most of the secondary ones. Clozapine was more effective in CBCL-E, the delinquency subscale and the CGAS scores than risperidone (p =0.039, 0.010, and 0.021). Two subjects from the clozapine group were excluded due to a low neutrophil count at week four.

Conclusion

Clozapine and risperidone are effective for short-term treatment of aggression in children and adolescents with conduct disorder. Clozapine was more effective than risperidone in conduct externalization factors, delinquency trait and global functioning in children and adolescents. Stronger efficacy of clozapine should be investigated in larger sample sizes using pharmacogenomic studies. White blood cell counts need to be monitored when prescribing clozapine.

Best Practices for Evaluation and Treatment of Agitated Children and Adolescents (BETA) in the Emergency Department: Consensus Statement of the American Association for Emergency Psychiatry

Introduction

Agitation in children and adolescents in the emergency department (ED) can be dangerous and distressing for patients, family and staff. We present consensus guidelines for management of agitation among pediatric patients in the ED, including non-pharmacologic methods and the use of immediate and as-needed medications.

Methods

Using the Delphi method of consensus, a workgroup comprised of 17 experts in emergency child and adolescent psychiatry and psychopharmacology from the the American Association for Emergency Psychiatry and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Emergency Child Psychiatry Committee sought to create consensus guidelines for the management of acute agitation in children and adolescents in the ED.

Results

Consensus found that there should be a multimodal approach to managing agitation in the ED, and that etiology of agitation should drive choice of treatment. We describe general and specific recommendations for medication use.

Conclusion

These guidelines describing child and adolescent psychiatry expert consensus for the management of agitation in the ED may be of use to pediatricians and emergency physicians who are without immediate access to psychiatry consultation.

A proposed anti-maladaptive aggression agent classification: improving our approach to treating impulsive aggression

Proper drug categorization enables clinicians to readily identify the agents most appropriate for patients in need. Currently, patients with maladaptive aggression do not all always fall into a single existing diagnostic or treatment category. Such is the case for those with impulsive aggression (IA). IA is an associated feature of numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, and can be described as eruptive, aggressive behavior or a 'short fuse'. Although agents from a broad spectrum of drug classes have been used to treat maladaptive aggression, few have been tested distinctly in patients with IA, and there is no drug specifically indicated by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for IA. Further, current treatments often fail to sufficiently treat IA symptomatology. These issues create an unclear and inadequate treatment path for patients. Here we will propose the establishment of a class of anti-maladaptive aggression agents to begin addressing this clinical issue. The development of such a class would unify the various drugs currently used to treat maladaptive aggression and streamline the treatment approach towards IA. As an important case example of the range of candidate drugs that could fit into a new anti-maladaptive aggression agent category, we will review an investigational IA pharmacotherapy. SPN-810 (extended-release molindone) is currently being investigated as a novel treatment for children with IA and ADHD. Based on these studies we will review how SPN-810 may be well suited for a new, anti-maladaptive aggression drug class and more precisely, a proposed subgroup of IA modulators. The goal of this review is to begin improving the identification of and therapeutic approach for maladaptive aggression as well as IA through more precise anti-maladaptive aggression agent categorization.

In vitro pharmacological characterization of SPN-810M (molindone)

Background

Impulsive aggression (IA) is considered a maladaptive form of aggression that is reactive and overt and occurs outside of the acceptable social context. Many children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) display clinically significant aggression, with the predominant subtype being IA. However, there is currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved medication specifically to treat IA. The pathophysiology of IA is not fully understood, although it has been suggested to include the dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin systems.

Methods

SPN-810 (extended-release molindone) is being developed for the novel indication of IA and is currently being studied in patients treated for ADHD. Molindone is an indole derivative and a dopamine D₂ receptor antagonist.

Results

The in vitro pharmacological studies described in the current manuscript demonstrate that the active substance molindone (SPN-810M) is a potent antagonist for the dopamine receptors, D_2S and D_2L, and the serotonin receptor, 5-HT_2B, at therapeutic concentrations. The in vitro studies further demonstrate that the antagonist effect of SPN-810M is due to the parent drug and not the metabolites, and that the antagonism is not affected by the presence of norepinephrine or dopamine neurotransmitters. In addition, studies investigating the potential differential effects of the enantiomers of SPN-810M have demonstrated that the R(−) enantiomer is more potent than S(+), showing greater regulatory effect on D_2S and D_2L receptors.

Conclusion

Overall, the results of the in vitro SPN-810M pharmacological studies provide some insight into how SPN-810M modulates the serotonin and dopamine pathways that play a role in IA.

Parent Perceptions of Medication Treatment for Preschool Children with ADHD

This study sought to examine parent perceptions of medication use for 151 preschool children (M _age  = 5.05 years, 78% male, 82% Hispanic/Latino) with or at-risk for ADHD who were medication naive. Parents completed questionnaires regarding family background and perceptions of medication treatment. Parents and teachers completed ratings of child diagnostic symptomatology, behavioral functioning, and functional impairment. Results indicate that only 45% of parents were open to the possibility of medication. No associations were found between child demographics, severity of ADHD symptoms, or level of functional impairment and parental openness to medication. On the other hand, children of parents who were open to medication tended to have higher levels of oppositionality and aggression (as reported by parents but not teachers) compared with children of parents who were not open to medication. These findings are discussed in the context of early intervention given their implications for a variety of treatment providers.

Clinical Implications From the Treatment of Severe Childhood Aggression (TOSCA) Study: A Re-Analysis and Integration of Findings

OBJECTIVE

The Treatment of Severe Childhood Aggression (TOSCA) project examined augmentation of stimulant treatment and parent training (PT) with risperidone for severe physical aggression. This article summarizes the clinical implications; reanalyzes the data to examine the utility of 4 criteria for deciding to augment; and presents a treatment algorithm.

METHOD

The newly analyzed 4 criteria for augmenting after 3 weeks of stimulant and PT treatment consisted of not meeting a Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) score of 1 and a normal score (≤15) on the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form Disruptive-Total (D-Total); a CGI-I score of 1 or 2 plus 25% improvement in D-Total score; a D-Total score no higher than 15; and a CGI-Severity score of 3 (mild) or better. Effect sizes were calculated. Prior TOSCA publications were reviewed for clinically relevant findings.

RESULTS

All 4 criteria resulted in medium or better effect sizes (d = 0.59-0.72) when comparing risperidone with placebo. Providing risperidone to children who did not reach a CGI-I score of 1 plus a D-Total score no higher than 15 resulted in the greatest benefit. In addition, a review of clinically relevant data suggests that stimulant plus PT shows further improvement after 3 weeks even without augmentation.

CONCLUSION

For those children who did not attain a CGI-I score of 1 and a D-total score no higher than 15, adding risperidone maximized the number of children benefitting from treatment and the average amount of benefit. Unless clinical circumstances dictate otherwise, practitioners should delay an antipsychotic drug for at least 1 month after the optimal stimulant dose is achieved and PT has commenced. Clinical trial registration information-Treatment of Severe Childhood Aggression (The TOSCA Study); http://clinicaltrials.gov; NCT00796302.

Efficacy of antipsychotics for irritability and aggression in children: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Aggression and irritability in children occur across a range of diagnoses, and are associated with both economic cost and negative psychosocial outcomes. Antipsychotics are frequently prescribed in these cases.

METHODS

A random effects meta-analysis of 14 random controlled trials was conducted. Overall effect sizes for antipsychotics for irritability and aggression were extracted. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to diagnostic indication, specific medication and degree of sedation. Meta-regression examined effects of antipsychotic dose.

RESULTS

Overall, antipsychotics were effective in reducing aggression and irritability (SMD = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.92, z = 8.4, p < 0.0001). In stratified subgroup analysis, individual antipsychotic agents did not differ in efficacy (χ² = 1.1, df = 3, p = 0.78). However, aripiprazole and risperidone demonstrated significant benefit over placebo. Antipsychotic efficacy did not differ significantly based on diagnostic indication (χ² = 4.2, df = 4, p = 0.39). Meta-regression showed no overall dose effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical data supports the efficacy of risperidone and aripiprazole for aggression and irritability across diagnoses, with insufficient data available for other agents. Available data does not support a difference in efficacy based on underlying diagnosis, choice of agent, or its degree of sedation.

Atypical antipsychotics for disruptive behaviour disorders in children and youths

BACKGROUND

This is an update of the original Cochrane Review, last published in 2012 (Loy 2012). Children and youths with disruptive behaviour disorders may present to health services, where they may be treated with atypical antipsychotics. There is increasing usage of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of disruptive behaviour disorders.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect and safety of atypical antipsychotics, compared to placebo, for treating disruptive behaviour disorders in children and youths. The aim was to evaluate each drug separately rather than the class effect, on the grounds that each atypical antipsychotic has different pharmacologic binding profile (Stahl 2013) and that this is clinically more useful.

SEARCH METHODS

In January 2017, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, five other databases and two trials registers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of atypical antipsychotics versus placebo in children and youths aged up to and including 18 years, with a diagnosis of disruptive behaviour disorders, including comorbid ADHD. The primary outcomes were aggression, conduct problems and adverse events (i.e. weight gain/changes and metabolic parameters). The secondary outcomes were general functioning, noncompliance, other adverse events, social functioning, family functioning, parent satisfaction and school functioning.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two review authors (JL and KS) independently collected, evaluated and extracted data. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence. We performed meta-analyses for each of our primary outcomes, except for metabolic parameters, due to inadequate outcome data.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 10 trials (spanning 2000 to 2014), involving a total of 896 children and youths aged five to 18 years. Bar two trials, all came from an outpatient setting. Eight trials assessed risperidone, one assessed quetiapine and one assessed ziprasidone. Nine trials assessed acute efficacy (over four to 10 weeks); one of which combined treatment with stimulant medication and parent training. One trial was a six-month maintenance trial assessing symptom recurrence.The quality of the evidence ranged from low to moderate. Nine studies had some degree of pharmaceutical support/funding. Primary outcomesUsing the mean difference (MD), we combined data from three studies (238 participants) in a meta-analysis of aggression, as assessed using the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC) ‒ Irritability subscale. We found that youths treated with risperidone show reduced aggression compared to youths treated with placebo (MD -6.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) -8.79 to -4.19; low-quality evidence). Using the standardised mean difference (SMD), we pooled data from two risperidone trials (190 participants), which used different scales: the Overt Aggression Scale ‒ Modified (OAS-M) Scale and the Antisocial Behaviour Scale (ABS); as the ABS had two subscales that could not be combined (reactive and proactive aggression), we performed two separate analyses. When we combined the ABS Reactive subscale and the OAS-M, the SMD was -1.30 in favour of risperidone (95% CI -2.21 to -0.40, moderate-quality evidence). When we combined the ABS Proactive subscale and OAS-M, the SMD was -1.12 (95% CI -2.30 to 0.06, moderate-quality evidence), suggesting uncertainty about the estimate of effect, as the confidence intervals overlapped the null value. In summary, there was some evidence that aggression could be reduced by risperidone. Data were lacking on other atypical antipsychotics, like quetiapine and ziprasidone, with regard to their effects on aggression.We pooled data from two risperidone trials (225 participants) in a meta-analysis of conduct problems, as assessed using the Nisonger Child Behaviour Rating Form ‒ Conduct Problem subscale (NCBRF-CP). This yielded a final mean score that was 8.61 points lower in the risperidone group compared to the placebo group (95% CI -11.49 to -5.74; moderate-quality evidence).We investigated the effect on weight by performing two meta-analyses. We wanted to distinguish between the effects of antipsychotic medication only and the combined effect with stimulants, since the latter can have a counteracting effect on weight gain due to appetite suppression. Pooling two trials with risperidone only (138 participants), we found that participants on risperidone gained 2.37 kilograms (kg) more (95% CI 0.26 to 4.49; moderate-quality evidence) than those on placebo. When we added a trial where all participants received a combination of risperidone and stimulants, we found that those on the combined treatment gained 2.14 kg more (95% CI 1.04 to 3.23; 3 studies; 305 participants; low-quality evidence) than those on placebo. Secondary outcomesOut of the 10 included trials, three examined general functioning, social functioning and parent satisfaction. No trials examined family or school functioning. Data on non-compliance/attrition rate and other adverse events were available from all 10 trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is some evidence that in the short term risperidone may reduce aggression and conduct problems in children and youths with disruptive behaviour disorders There is also evidence that this intervention is associated with significant weight gain.For aggression, the difference in scores of 6.49 points on the ABC ‒ Irritability subscale (range 0 to 45) may be clinically significant. It is challenging to interpret the clinical significance of the differential findings on two different ABS subscales as it may be difficult to distinguish between reactive and proactive aggression in clinical practice. For conduct problems, the difference in scores of 8.61 points on the NCBRF-CP (range 0 to 48) is likely to be clinically significant. Weight gain remains a concern.Caution is required in interpreting the results due to the limitations of current evidence and the small number of high-quality trials. There is a lack of evidence to support the use of quetiapine, ziprasidone or any other atypical antipsychotic for disruptive behaviour disorders in children and youths and no evidence for children under five years of age. It is uncertain to what degree the efficacy found in clinical trials will translate into real-life clinical practice. Given the effectiveness of parent-training interventions in the management of these disorders, and the somewhat equivocal evidence on the efficacy of medication, it is important not to use medication alone. This is consistent with current clinical guidelines.

Factors Associated with Management of Teen Aggression: Child Psychiatric Clinical Decision Making

OBJECTIVE

This study explores whether patient-specific and clinician-specific factors are associated with child psychiatrists' use of second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) in the management of aggression in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The patient-specific factors included patient's race, caregiver status, and patient engagement in psychotherapy.

METHODS

Child psychiatrists attending an annual conference (n = 156) were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire on clinical decision making. Each participant was randomized to one of eight vignettes on a physically aggressive male teenager with methylphenidate-responsive ADHD. Patient race, caregiving status, and patient engagement in psychotherapy were systematically varied. Respondents rated how likely they were to prescribe an SGA and whether they would adjust the patient's current medication.

RESULTS

Seventy-five percent of participants (n = 117) were uncomfortable with adding an SGA, and 61% (n = 95) were likely to make medication adjustments to the current stimulant. None of the patient-specific factors were related to management recommendations. However, inpatient psychiatrists compared with non-inpatient psychiatrists reported a higher likelihood of using antipsychotics (OR = 2.40, 95% CI [1.181, 4.879], p = 0.016). Midwestern psychiatrists compared with those from other regions also reported a higher likelihood of using antipsychotics (OR = 3.07, 95% CI [1.376, 6.857], p = 0.005). Academic psychiatrists compared with nonacademics were less likely to endorse making adjustments to the current medication regimen (OR = 0.49, 95% CI [0.860, 0.274], p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

When presented with a hypothetical case, the vast majority of child psychiatrists surveyed advised that additional information was needed before adding an SGA. Many felt the need for more psychosocial information and greater clarity of possible comorbid diagnoses.

National Survey on Pediatric Acute Agitation and Behavioral Escalation in Academic Inpatient Pediatric Care Settings

BACKGROUND

Pediatric acute agitation and behavioral escalation (PAABE) is common and disruptive to pediatric inpatient health care. There is a paucity of literature on PAABE in noncritical care inpatient pediatric care settings with little consensus on its evaluation and management.

METHODS

In January 2016, a 34-question survey was e-mailed to pediatric hospitalists and consultation-liaison psychiatrists through their respective professional listservs. Excluded responses included incomplete surveys, and surveys from providers in community care settings. The survey consisted of multiple-choice questions, rating scales, and free-text responses relating to the identification, education, and evaluation and management of PAABE at the respondent's respective hospital.

RESULTS

Responses were obtained from 38 North American academic children's hospitals. Of the respondents, 69.3% were pediatric hospitalists and 30.7% were pediatric psychiatry consultants. Most respondents practice in urban areas (84.2%), and in hospitals with ≥100 beds (89.4%). Overall, 84.2% of the respondents encountered PAABE at least once a month and as frequently as every week. Most respondents (70.0%) rated PAABE as an 8 or higher on a 10-point Likert scale. Despite being highly important and common, 53.9% of respondents do not screen for risk factors for PAABE, 63.6% reported no formal process to facilitate caregiver involvement in managing PAABE, and 59.7% indicated no physician training in PAABE evaluation and management.

CONCLUSION

Many pediatric hospitals identify PAABE as a great concern, yet there is little training, screening, or standardization of care in PAABE. There is a need to consolidate existing knowledge regarding PAABE, while developing enhanced collaboration, training, and standardized practice in inpatient PAABE.

The pharmacological treatment of aggression in children and adolescents with conduct disorder. Do callous-unemotional traits modulate the efficacy of medication?

BACKGROUND

Children and adolescents with conduct disorder (CD) show repetitive and persistent patterns of aggressive behaviour and the more severe forms are often associated with callous-unemotional (CU) traits.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review and, where data are adequate, conduct meta-analyses on the efficacy of medication on aggression in children and adolescent with CD considering the impact of CU traits.

RESULTS

Few studies have investigated patients with CD as primary diagnosis, and few of these have discriminated between different types of aggression or reported measures of CU traits. Methylphenidate and risperidone showed the largest effects on aggression in randomized controlled trials; other antipsychotics showed clinical efficacy on CD but this evidence is mainly revealed by open label trials. There is some low quality evidence to support a small effect of mood stabilizers and other agents. There were only two papers describing the effects of CU traits thus providing inconclusive results.

CONCLUSION

Considering heterogeneity of the disorder, more proof-of-concept clinical studies are needed to define effects of medication and role of CU traits.

Trends in Antipsychotic Prescribing in Medicaid-Eligible Youth

OBJECTIVE

To examine trends in the use of antipsychotic medication in Medicaid-eligible youth from 2008 to 2013 and the factors associated with this use.

METHOD

Youth aged 0 to 17 years with at least one claim indicating antipsychotic medication use were identified from the network of a behavioral health managed care organization (BHMCO). Demographic and clinical variables were derived from state eligibility data and service claims data from the BHMCO. Overall and specific prevalence rates of antipsychotic drug use were calculated over the course of 6 years (2008-2013). The probability of antipsychotic use during 2013 was further explored with logistic regression that included demographic and diagnostic groups.

RESULTS

The overall trend in prevalence for antipsychotics for youth decreased from 49.52 per 1,000 members in 2008 to 30.54 in 2013 (p < .0001). Although rates decreased for all age groups, the rate per 1,000 members in 2013 for the youngest children was 3.79, versus 39.23 for 6- to 12-year-olds and 64.33 for 13- to 17-year-olds. Controlling for demographic and clinical variables, children 0 to 5 years old were 79% less likely to be prescribed antipsychotic medications compared to the oldest youth, 13 to 17 years of age (p < .0001). Rates were higher for males versus females regardless of age (odds ratio [95% CI] =1.48 [1.36-1.62], p < .0001). Children with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were less likely to be prescribed antipsychotics compared to those with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, psychoses, and depression.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence rates decreased significantly over time for all socio-demographic groups. The largest decrease was observed for the youngest children, ages 0 to 5 years, with a rate in 2013 under half the rate for 2008. Clinical, policy, and managed care implications are discussed.

Diagnoses and Antipsychotic Treatment Among Youths in a Public Mental Health System

Background:

The use of antipsychotics, namely newer atypical agents, has increased significantly in children and adolescents. It is important to examine diagnoses associated with antipsychotic treatment in youths.

Objective:

To evaluate trends in psychiatric diagnoses of children and adolescents in a public mental health system who were prescribed antipsychotics.

Methods:

Children and adolescents, up to the age of 19 years, who were prescribed an antipsychotic between January 1998 and December 2001 were identified using the Texas Medicaid Vendor Drug database. Patient identification numbers were then cross-linked to the Client Assignment and Registration database of the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation to extract diagnostic data.

Results:

Disruptive behavioral disorders accounted for the highest percentage (35%) of diagnoses associated with children and adolescents receiving antipsychotic treatment and mental healthcare services. Depressive disorders were the second most common diagnosis (18%), and bipolar disorders accounted for roughly 12% of all diagnoses. Approximately 3% of children and adolescents did not have a psychiatric diagnosis. The percentage of youths with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses decreased over time.

Conclusions:

Although disruptive behavioral disorders accounted for a large percentage of antipsychotic use in this population, these findings suggest that antipsychotics are being used to treat other psychiatric diagnoses, for which limited supporting data exist. Future research in children and adolescents should aim to provide needed efficacy and safety data of antipsychotics across the spectrum of neuropsychiatrie disorders.

The Role of the Catechol-o-Methyltransferase (COMT) GeneVal158Met in Aggressive Behavior, a Review of Genetic Studies

Aggressive behaviors have become a major public health problem, and early-onset aggression can lead to outcomes such as substance abuse, antisocial personality disorder among other issues. In recent years, there has been an increase in research in the molecular and genetic underpinnings of aggressive behavior, and one of the candidate genes codes for the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). COMT is involved in catabolizing catecholamines such as dopamine. These neurotransmitters appear to be involved in regulating mood which can contribute to aggression. The most common gene variant studied in the COMT gene is the Valine (Val) to Methionine (Met) substitution at codon 158. We will be reviewing the current literature on this gene variant in aggressive behavior.

Challenges and Promises of Pediatric Psychopharmacology

Most prescriptions for psychotropic medications are written by primary care physicians, yet pediatricians, many of whom are teaching residents and medical students about pediatric psychopharmacology, often feel inadequately trained to treat mental health concerns. Over the past several decades, the number, size, and quality of psychopharmacologic studies in youth has greatly increased. Here we review the current evidence for efficacy and safety of each of the major pharmacologic drug classes in youth (psychostimulants, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics). Psychostimulants have a robust body of literature supporting their evidence as first-line treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have documented efficacy for pediatric depression and multiple different anxiety disorders with childhood onset. Combining cognitive-behavioral therapy with SSRI treatment enhances treatment benefit and minimizes adverse events of medication. Mood stabilizers, including lithium and anticonvulsant medications, have a less robust strength of evidence and come with more problematic side effects. However, they are increasingly prescribed to youth, often to treat irritability, mood lability, and aggression, along with treatment of bipolar disorder. Antipsychotics have long been a mainstay of treatment for childhood-onset schizophrenia, and in recent years, the evidence base for providing antipsychotics to youth with bipolar mania and autistic disorder has grown. Most concerning with antipsychotics are the metabolic side effects, which appear even more problematic in youth than adults. By better understanding the evidence-based psychopharmacologic interventions, academic pediatricians will be able to treat patients and prepare future pediatrician to address the growing mental health care needs of youth.

Severely Aggressive Children Receiving Stimulant Medication Versus Stimulant and Risperidone: 12-Month Follow-Up of the TOSCA Trial

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate 52-week clinical outcomes of children with co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disruptive behavior disorder, and serious physical aggression who participated in a prospective, longitudinal study that began with a controlled, 9-week clinical trial comparing the relative efficacy of parent training + stimulant medication + placebo (Basic; n = 84) versus parent training + stimulant + risperidone (Augmented; n = 84).

METHOD

Almost two-thirds (n = 108; 64%) of families in the 9-week study participated in week 52 follow-ups (Basic, n = 55; Augmented, n = 53) and were representative of the initial study sample. The assessment battery included caregiver and clinician ratings and laboratory tests.

RESULTS

Only 43% of participants in the Augmented group and 36% in the Basic group still adhered to their assigned regimen (not significant [NS]); 23% of those in the Augmented group and 11% in the Basic group were taking no medication (NS). Both randomized groups improved baseline to follow-up, but the 3 primary parent-reported behavioral outcomes showed no significant between-group differences. Exploratory analyses indicated that participants in the Augmented group (65%) were more likely (p = .02) to have a Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) severity score of 1 to 3 (i.e., normal to mildly ill) at follow-up than those in the Basic group (42%). Parents rated 45% of children as impaired often or very often from ADHD, noncompliant, or aggressive behavior. The Augmented group had elevated prolactin levels, and the Basic group had decreased weight over time. Findings were generally similar whether groups were defined by randomized assignment or follow-up treatment status.

CONCLUSION

Both treatment strategies were associated with clinical improvement at follow-up, and primary behavioral outcomes did not differ significantly. Many children evidenced lingering mental health concerns, suggesting the need for additional research into more effective interventions. Clinical trial registration information-Treatment of Severe Childhood Aggression (the TOSCA Study); http://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT00796302.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of an Integrative Group Therapy for Children With Severe Mood Dysregulation

OBJECTIVE

Nonepisodic irritability is a common and impairing problem, leading to the development of the diagnoses severe mood dysregulation (SMD) and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). No psychosocial therapies have been formally evaluated for either, with medication being the most common treatment. This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of a joint parent-child intervention for SMD.

METHOD

A total of 68 participants aged 7 to 12 years with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and SMD were randomly assigned to the 11-week therapy or community-based psychosocial treatment. All participants were first stabilized on psychostimulant medication by study physicians. Of the participants, 56 still manifested impairing SMD symptoms and entered the therapy phase. Masked evaluators assessed participants at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint, with therapy participants reassessed 6 weeks later.

RESULTS

All but 2 therapy participants attended the majority of sessions (n = 29), with families reporting high levels of satisfaction. The primary outcome of change in mood symptoms using the Mood Severity Index (MSI) did not reach significance except in the subset attending the majority of sessions (effect size = 0.53). Therapy was associated with significantly greater improvement in parent-rated irritability (effect size = 0.63). Treatment effects for irritability but not MSI diminished after therapy stopped. Little impact on ADHD symptoms was seen. Results may not be generalizable to youth with SMD and comorbidities different from those seen in this sample of children with ADHD, and are limited by the lack of a gold standard for measuring change in SMD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

While failing to significantly improve mood symptoms versus community treatment, the integrative therapy was found to be a feasible and efficacious treatment for irritability in participants with SMD and ADHD.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Group-Based Behavioral Therapy Combined With Stimulant Medication for Treating Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Impaired Mood; http://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT00632619.

Impulsive Aggression as a Comorbidity of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents

OBJECTIVE

This article examines the characteristics of impulsive aggression (IA) as a comorbidity in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), focusing on its incidence, impact on ADHD outcomes, need for timely intervention, and limitations of current treatment practices.

METHODS

Relevant literature was retrieved with electronic searches in PubMed and PsycINFO using the search strategy of "ADHD OR attention deficit hyperactivity disorder" AND "impulsive aggression OR reactive aggression OR hostile aggression OR overt aggression" AND "pediatric OR childhood OR children OR pre-adolescent OR adolescent" with separate searches using review OR clinical trial as search limits. Key articles published before the 2007 Expert Consensus Report on IA were identified using citation analysis.

RESULTS

More than 50% of preadolescents with ADHD combined subtype reportedly display clinically significant aggression, with impulsive aggression being the predominant subtype. Impulsive aggression is strongly predictive of a highly unfavorable developmental trajectory characterized by the potential for persistent ADHD, increasing psychosocial burden, accumulating comorbidities, serious lifelong functional deficits across a broad range of domains, delinquency/criminality, and adult antisocial behavior. Impulsive aggression, which triggers peer rejection and a vicious cycle of escalating dysfunction, may be a key factor in unfavorable psychosocial outcomes attributed to ADHD. Because severe aggressive behavior does not remit in many children when treated with primary ADHD therapy (i.e., stimulants and behavioral therapy), a common practice is to add medication of a different class to specifically target aggressive behavior.

CONCLUSIONS

Impulsive aggression in children and adolescents with ADHD is a serious clinical and public health problem. Although adjunctive therapy with an aggression-targeted agent is widely recommended when aggressive behaviors do not remit with primary ADHD therapy, empirical evidence does not currently support the use of any specific agent. Randomized controlled trials are needed to identify aggression-targeted agents with favorable benefit-risk profiles.