Reducing Weight Gain and Improving Metabolic Function in Children Being Treated With Antipsychotics

Disorders that involve severe dysregulation of mood or thoughts in children -- such as early onset bipolar spectrum (BPS) and schizophrenia spectrum (SS) disorders -- are commonly treated with antipsychotic medications. However, many of the newest and most commonly prescribed antipsychotic medications can cause weight gain and metabolic dysfunctions. Use of these newer antipsychotics, called second generation antipsychotics (SGAs), is increasing rapidly in children, and the risk of weight gain from SGAs is higher among children than adults. Excessive weight gain can lead to obesity, which, in turn, can lead to increased health care costs, increased risk of sickness, and lower life expectancy. These factors are enhanced in children and adolescents who grow up obese.

Two different strategies to reduce weight gain and metabolic side effects from SGAs will be tested in this study. The first strategy involves switching from the current SGA to a lower risk agent (aripiprazole or perphenazine) hypothesized to result in weight loss and improved metabolic functioning. The second strategy involves taking the medication metformin in addition to the current SGA. Metformin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promote weight loss in youth with diabetes and has been effective in reducing weight in youth taking SGAs.

Participation in this study will last between 26 and 27 weeks and will be divided into two parts. The first part will last 2 to 3 weeks and include three study visits. During this part, participants will undergo a physical exam, an electrocardiogram (EKG), a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test, and blood tests. The DXA measures body fat.

The second part will last 24 weeks and include nine study visits. During this part, participants will be randomly assigned to one of three conditions: gradual switch of current SGA medication to either aripiprazole or perphenazine, addition of metformin to current SGA medication, or no change to treatment with current SGA medication. Visits will take place on Weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24. At each visit, participants will meet with a study doctor who will assess symptoms and side effects, and participants and their guardians will receive information and recommendations about childhood obesity and weight loss. There will also be monthly urine pregnancy tests, and two blood tests.

Inclusion criteria

• DSM diagnoses that have an FDA indication for atypical antipsychotic use for at least one agent in the respective pediatric or adult age group. Specifically, primary DSM-IV diagnosis of Early Onset Schizophrenia Spectrum (EOSS; schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, schizophreniform disorder, psychotic disorder NOS); Bipolar Spectrum (bipolar I, II and NOS); Major depressive disorder with psychosis; Mood disorder NOS corresponding to Leibenluft and colleagues severely mood dysregulated (SMD) broad spectrum bipolar disorder; Mood disorder NOS corresponding to irritability associated with autism spectrum disorders; or - for adult teen participants aged 18-19 years - Major depressive disorder. Diagnoses will be determined by clinical interview, Leibenluft's modification of the K-SADS-PL, and the "Aberrant Behavior Checklist" (cutoff score of 18, as used by FDA for approval of risperidone and aripiprazole in minors).
• Clinically stable on current treatment regimen for at least 30 days, as assessed in a three-step process
• Current SGA treatment with olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, ziprasidone aripiprazole, asenapine, iloperidone, lurasidone, paliperidone, or olanzapine/fluoxetine for ≥ 8 weeks
• Stable dose of current SGA and psychotropic co-medications for at least 30 days
• Body mass index (BMI) at least in the 85th percentile for age and gender
• Substantial weight gain over the previous 3 years while taking a SGA, as reflected by family and referring physician's judgment. The weight gain did not have to occur on the child's current SGA. Weight needs to have remained stable or increased over past year.
• Agrees to use two effective forms of birth control or to remain abstinent
• Has a primary caretaker who has known the child well for at least 6 months before study entry
• Primary caretaker is able to participate in study appointments as clinically indicated

Exclusion criteria

• Treatment with any medication (other than the currently prescribed psychotropic medications) that would significantly alter glucose, insulin, or lipid levels. Exception: orlistat and amantadine are permitted if the individual has taken the drug for at least one year without weight loss.
• Major neurological or medical illness that affects weight gain or that would prevent participation in physical activities
• Fasting glucose levels indicating need for prompt treatment
• Pediatrician or pediatric gastroenterologist recommendation to address abnormal fasting labs by pursuing more active treatment than those in the 2007 American Medical Association guidelines
• Diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, as based on current or lifetime DSM-IV criteria
• Diagnosis of substance dependence disorder (other than tobacco dependence) within the past month, as based on DSM-IV criteria
• Positive urine toxicology indicating ongoing use of illicit substance
• Current treatment with more than one antipsychotic medication
• Current treatment with more than 3 total psychotropic medications (i.e., 2 psychotropics plus SGA), with the exception of subjects taking 2 medications for ADHD in which a total of 4 psychotropic medications are allowed.
• Known hypersensitivity to metformin
• Prior treatment with aripiprazole and perphenazine for more than 2 weeks that was stopped for inefficacy or intolerability
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to comply with contraceptive requirements of study
• IQ score less than 55
• Significant risk of dangerousness to self or to others that would make study participation inadvisable
• Language issues that prevent child and/or parent from completing assessments or treatment
• Ongoing or previously undisclosed child abuse requiring new department of social service intervention