[Neuroleptics in mentally retarded children].

Abstract

Long-term administration of neuroleptic drugs to 149 severely mentally retarded children led to a significantly higher number of somatic complications and respiratory morbidity, as compared with a control group (p < or = 5%). Precise differentiation of the influence of neuroleptics from other drugs, complications of the basic diagnosis of oligophrenia and others is not possible so far. Therefore it is essential to consider carefully the indication for administration of neuroleptics and to reduce thus their undesirable effects to a minimum.