title: Developmental neurobiology: implications for pediatric psychopharmacology.
abstract: Pediatric psychopharmacology can only be properly understood within the context of developmental neurobiology. Normal maturation of the brain is characterized by the complex anatomic, molecular, and organizational changes required for optimal adaptive functioning. In many areas of the developing nervous system, neurons, cell processes, neurotransmitters, and trophic nerve growth factors are produced in far greater numbers and in different areas than in the mature brain. Psychopathology and stressful environments can lead to enduring changes in brain structure and functioning. A few select psychopharmacological treatments are reviewed to assess their potential impact on CNS development. More clinical and basic science studies are needed to determine whether current treatments have neurotoxic or neuroprotective effects when administered over extended critical early periods of the lifespan.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. normand.carrey@iwkhealth.ns.ca
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Carrey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012931:Social Environment
chemical_list: D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs