Abilify recommended for teenagers

NICE has recommended Abilify (aripiprazole) as a treatment option for schizophrenia in people aged 15 to 17 years in final guidance.

Aripiprazole has demonstrated both short term and long term efficacy in adolescents.

Dr Carole Longson, says the recommendation will give patients “greater control over their condition” if they are unable to take risperidone, the most widely used first-line antipsychotic treatment.

Young people with schizophrenia are usually treated with atypical antipsychotics at a low dose.