title: Long-term drug use in psychiatric disorders in children. Facts, controversies and the future.
abstract: This paper is part of a special section on 'psychopharmacotherapy in children' and deals with facts, controversies and the future of the long-term use of pharmacotherapy in child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. This topic has been little studied because of career disincentives and practical difficulties. Indications for long-term use require evidence of short-term efficacy and safety, a chronic or recurring disorder and continuing proof of effect. Early onset of disorders usually found in adults, such as schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder, form the clearest indications; but among the child disorders, attention deficit disorder has the most supporting evidence, though medication appears to have little effect on long-term outcome. There is need for further research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Werry
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002665:Child Psychiatry; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants