PSYCHOPHARMACOTHERAPY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: AN UPDATE
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Accession number;03A0867726
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| Title;PSYCHOPHARMACOTHERAPY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: AN UPDATE |
| Author;
YOSHIDA KEIKO
(Kyushu Univ., Faculty of Medicine, Hospital, JPN)
YAMASHITA HIROSHI
(Kyushu Univ., Faculty of Medicine, Hospital, JPN)
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Journal Title;Japanese Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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Journal Code:Z0387B
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ISSN:0289-0968
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VOL.44;NO.4;PAGE.333-346(2003)
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| Figure&Table&Reference;TBL.1, REF.65 |
| Pub. Country;Japan |
| Language;Japanese |
| Abstract;The increased utilization of psychotropic medication in treating children during recent years has focused attention on pediatric pharmacology research and the associated clinical issues. Changing trends with respect to the indications of psychotropic drugs have been accompanied by a dramatic increase in psychostimulant medication for ADHD and the appearance of a new generation of drugs (e.g; atypical antipsychotics and SSRI). Multidimensional and multiple informant assessment utilizing clear categorical diagnostic criteria and a symptom checklist appropriate for the developmental stage are prerequisites for the safe and effective use of such treatments. Particularly in the case of younger children, it is essential that indications for the study of symptom complexes (e.g., aggression) rather than specific diagnoses are examined and considered as targets for medication. Importantly, the efficacy and safety of psychotropics in children cannot be entirely inferred from adult data. A critical factor is the risk/benefit ratio, which should be favorable to any child being considered for psychotropic medication. A major limitation on our current knowledge of child psychopharmacology is that little is known about the possible long-term effects of psychotropic medication on the developing body, and on the brain in particular. Research on how best to standardize the methods of monitoring infrequent adverse effects should be considered as a priority in pediatric psychopharmacology. (author abst.) |
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