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Effective Medications for Treating Psychosis in School-Aged Youth

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School Psychopharmacology

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Abstract

Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, are a challenge to both diagnosis and treat in school-age children. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight the efficacy and effectiveness of psychotropic medications used in the treatment of children and adolescents with psychosis. Both the intended and side effects of medication treatments (first-generation antipsychotics , second-generation antipsychotics) commonly used to treat psychotic symptoms are reviewed. A set of references and web-based materials are provided to readers for additional information.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Zachary B. Millman, Alicia R. Khan & Jason Schiffman

  2. School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Heidi J. Wehring, Sarah Edwards & Sharon A. Hoover

Authors
  1. Zachary B. Millman
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  2. Heidi J. Wehring
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  3. Alicia R. Khan
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  4. Sarah Edwards
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  5. Sharon A. Hoover
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  6. Jason Schiffman
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jason Schiffman .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School Psychology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA

    John S. Carlson

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ohio State University—Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA

    Justin A. Barterian

Appendices

Suggested Readings

  • Kline, E., Denenny, D., Reeves, G., & Schiffman, J., 2014. Early identification of psychosis in schools. In Handbook of School Mental Health (pp. 323–338). Springer US.

    • In-depth discussion of school-based assessment and psychosocial intervention strategies for youth with psychosis. The chapter is clinically focused and provides numerous recommendations for practice.

  • Ballard, R. R. (Ed). 2015. Helping parents, youth, and teachers understand medications for behavioral and emotional problems: A resource book of medication information handouts. American Psychiatric Pub.

    • Handouts for consumers and schoolteachers outlining important psychiatric medication information.

  • Saks, E. R., 2007. The center cannot hold: My journey through madness. Hachette UK.

    • A compelling memoir written by Elyn Saks, a law professor affected with schizophrenia from a young age. The book elegantly describes the intrapersonal, psychosocial, and academic challenges caused by her illness, as well as her heroic efforts to overcome these challenges and live a meaningful, productive life.

List of Websites

  • http://www.marylandeip.com

    • The Maryland Early Intervention Program is a multi-institutional collaborative designed to improve the lives of young people in the early phases of psychosis. Educational resources are available for professionals and consumers.

  • http://www.nami.org

    • The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a nationwide nonprofit organization designed to support individuals and families affected by mental illness. Community events, support groups, and more can be found at the website.

  • http://www.schizophrenia.com

    • Internet community designed to provide high quality information regarding psychotic disorders to individuals, caregivers, and families affected by psychosis.

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Millman, Z.B., Wehring, H.J., Khan, A.R., Edwards, S., Hoover, S.A., Schiffman, J. (2019). Effective Medications for Treating Psychosis in School-Aged Youth. In: Carlson, J., Barterian, J. (eds) School Psychopharmacology. Pediatric School Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15541-4_7

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