Olanzapine in the treatment of schizophrenia in adolescents – mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy.

Olanzapine is effective in adolescent psychosis and mania but carries substantial metabolic liability. Given no clear efficacy advantage over other SGAs, it is best positioned as a second-line agent in youth, with preference for monotherapy, cautious dosing, and stringent metabolic monitoring. Evidence for benefits on negative and cognitive symptoms in adolescents remains limited.