[Indications for neuroleptics in children].

The purpose of this article is to summarize those main indications where neuroleptics have been proven efficient in children. In some types of pathology (hyperactivity, conduct disorders, mental retardation with agressiveness...), their impact is purely symptomatic, generally sedative. In other cases (Tourette's syndrome, stuttering) they seem to have a more specific effect. Whichever may be the case, neuroleptics seem to be irremplaceable, whenever the symptoms become incapacitating such as when they hinder the person's social functioning and learning abilities. On a practical level, one has to avoid "poorly justified" prescriptions, including low-dose prescriptions. In children and adolescents, therapy cannot be considered for one angle only: the administration of neuroleptics has to be integrated into a general treatment plan which involves other therapeutic approaches which are not mutually exclusive.