Long-Term Effects of Haloperidol on Severely Emotionally Disturbed Children

Abstract

A controlled, double-blind study of haloperidol in 30 children suffering from severe emotional disorders was attempted. Toxic and side-effects and reduction of symptoms were observed over a prolonged period of medication. A battery of tests was designed to study any adverse effects on development and learning processes. The conclusions reached indicated that at an overall level and in terms of diagnostic categories, no statistical significance was established when compared with placebo. However, haloperidol is significantly superior to placebo in ameliorating particular symptoms, is a relatively safe drug, and it did not impair intellectual functioning and learning tasks.