Adolescent female with withdrawal psychosis following abrupt termination of ziprasidone

It is widely known that discontinuation reactions can occur after neuroleptics are stopped resulting in dyskinesia through
its effect on the nigrostriatal pathway. Less discussed is the concept of “supersensitivity psychosis” which has been described
as a rapid onset of psychosis after a neuroleptic medication has been withdrawn. Although the concept of supersensitivity
psychosis has been described with the discontinuation of some neuroleptics, it has not been described with ziprasidone. Furthermore,
the following case report is the first time that this phenomenon has been described in an adolescent patient who has discontinued
ziprasidone. Reasons for supersensitivity psychosis are explored in addition to suggestions about precautions about prescribing
neuroleptics in young people.