title: Alpha 2 adrenergic agonists. Neurochemistry, efficacy, and clinical guidelines for use in children.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Newcorn
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Schulz
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: DeBellis
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Udarbe
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Halperin
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D016316:Guanfacine; D003000:Clonidine