Abstract
To the reader—
This issue contains a number of valuable additions to the literature on atypical antipsychotics and the treatment of adolescent schizophrenia. These articles come from authors in Canada, Japan, Finland, and the Netherlands as well as the United States, reminding us that our field benefits enormously from international collaboration.
In particular, the article by Adnan et al., “Clozapine for Management of Childhood and Adolescent-Onset Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” is an example of how important it is to look closely at what the science is telling us about clinical decision making. In this case, the systematic review reveals that clozapine may not be the best choice for schizophrenia management in adolescents. “Limited studies indicate that clozapine is a safe and efficacious option,” they write. “We need large-scale and well-designed long-term randomized controlled trials for the use of clozapine in the management of childhood and adolescent-onset schizophrenia.”
I would also like to take this opportunity to introduce a powerful new campaign to help our children who are struggling with trauma, stress, and isolation brought on by the pandemic, as well as ongoing pressures such as gun violence and climate change. The California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Project was developed by my organization, the Child Mind Institute, in partnership with the State of California. It consists of a series of free videos and print resources for educators, caregivers, and students to promote children's emotional health and help them thrive. They are designed to be used in school, or at home, and all are available in English and Spanish.
We believe these new resources will offer effective tools—and ignite new hope—to make this and future school years more positive, productive, and healthy for everyone.
This project was made possible by a $25 million grant from the State of California, but the resources can be accessed by parents and teachers everywhere. Drawn from the most up-to-date research and informed by the clinical expertise of the Child Mind Institute, the videos aim to normalize conversations about emotional well-being and teach kids the following essential coping skills: Understanding feelings Relaxation skills Understanding thoughts Managing intense emotions Mindfulness
I hope you will share the California Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Project with your colleagues, students, families you treat, and local communities. The website is: (