Alpha 2 adrenergic agonists. Neurochemistry, efficacy, and clinical guidelines for use in children.
The alpha 2 adrenergic agonists are used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders and their usage has been increasing. This article presents the rationale and neurochemical basis for treatment of psychiatric disorders with alpha 2 agents, reviews studies examining clinical efficacy, and develops guidelines for usage. Case vignettes are presented to illustrate how the alpha 2 agents can successfully be used in practice.
Newcorn
J H
JH
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
Schulz
K
K
Harrison
M
M
DeBellis
M D
MD
Udarbe
J K
JK
Halperin
J M
JM
D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003000:Clonidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D016316:Guanfacine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008125:Locus Coeruleus / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D013981:Tic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*
D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D016316:Guanfacine; D003000:Clonidine