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Objective: To determine the characteristics of the indications and off-label use of aripiprazole in outpatient follow-up of child and adolescent population and identify efficacy and tolerability in terms of psychiatric disorders comprehensively.
Methods: Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed for the effectiveness and tolerability of aripiprazole. Aripiprazole-treated patients were evaluated by using The Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), and the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale.
Results: Ege University Medical School Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinics patients were reviewed retrospectively. The data were available on 103 patients.(49 cases of adolescent psychiatry unit; 53 cases of child psychiatry unit). The sample of child psychiatry outpatients consists of mostly males. However, the sample of adolescent psychiatry outpatients consists of females. The age range was 7-18 years. Aripiprazole is the most commonly used antipsychotic in children’s age group for ADHD and adolescent group for the treatment of major depressive disorder. The most common comorbid disorder was Conduct Disorder in both groups. The mean initial dose of aripiprazole was 2,5 mg, and the mean endpoint dosage was 7,5 mg. The most frequent adverse effects were somnolence and dizziness. The most severe extrapyramidal symptoms observed were: impression of slowness or weakness and akathisia. None of the cases had abnormal involuntary movements (dyskinesia) of the extremities or trunk.
Conclusion: Evaluated a wide range in terms of age groups, aripiprazole was well tolerated and effective in our clinical practice. Aripiprazole appears to be a reliable treatment option for outpatient treatment group, however prospective clinical trial with a randomized controlled design is warranted.