Table 2 Summary of Findings (SoF) for the comparison antipsychotics versus placebo – continuous outcomes

Restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors

–

SMD 0.21 SD lower (0.35 lower to 0.07 lower)

–

823 (9 RCTs)

⨁⨁⨁◯ MODERATE ^a

Antipsychotics probably slightly reduce restricted and repetitive interests and behaviors

Hyperactivity, inattention, oppositional, disruptive behavior

–

SMD 0.67 SD lower (0.92 lower to 0.42 lower)

–

783 (8 RCTs)

⨁⨁⨁◯ MODERATE ^a

Antipsychotics probably reduce Hyperactivity, inattention, oppositional, disruptive behavior disorders

Self-harm

–

SMD 0.14 SD lower (0.58 lower to 0.30 higher)

–

77 (1 RCT)

⨁◯◯◯ VERY LOW ^b,c

There are some uncertainties about the effect of Antipsychotics on self-harm

Social communication, social interaction

–

SMD 0.38 SD lower (0.59 lower to 0.16 lower)

–

854 (10 RCTs)

⨁⨁⨁◯ MODERATE ^a

Antipsychotics probably slightly improve social communication, social interaction

Emotional dysregulation/irritability

–

SMD 0.71 SD lower (0.98 lower to 0.43 lower)

–

879 (9 RCTs)

⨁⨁◯◯ LOW ^a,d

Antipsychotics administration may result in a large reduction of emotional dysregulation/irritability

Anxiety

–

SMD 0.38 SD lower (0.82 lower to 0.07 higher)

–

77 (1 RCT)

⨁◯◯◯ VERY LOW ^b,c

There are some uncertainties about the effect of Antipsychotics on anxiety

Global functioning, global improvement

–

SMD 0.64 SD lower (0.96 lower to 0.33 lower)

–

839 (10 RCTs)

⨁⨁◯◯ LOW ^e,f

Antipsychotics may influence positively Global functioning, global improvement

Obsessions, compulsions

–

SMD 0.30 SD lower (0.55 lower to 0.06 lower)

–

548 (4 RCTs)

⨁⨁⨁◯ MODERATE ^g

Antipsychotics probably slightly reduce obsessions, compulsions