Ethical and pragmatic issues in the use of psychotropic agents in young children.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the knowledge base concerning the prescribing of psychotropic agents in young children with mental disorder and related mental health problems.


METHODS
Relevant information is reviewed concerning the knowledge base available to inform pediatric psychopharmacology prescribing practices.


RESULTS
Very few psychoactive medications have been adequately tested for safety and efficacy in young children, despite relatively high rates of prescribing.


CONCLUSIONS
Behavioral and psychotherapeutic strategies are often the wisest first therapeutic intervention for this age group. Psychotropic medications may be required, but should be used cautiously in young children, while additional studies are being conducted.
Jensen
P S
PS
National Institute of Mental Health, Rockville, Maryland 20857, USA.
D002648:Child; D002665:Child Psychiatry / Q000592:standards*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000592:standards; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014481:United States
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs