Annotation: The use of psychotropic medications in children: an American view.
BACKGROUND
Psychotropic medications have become an integral component in the treatment of children with mental illnesses.


METHODS
Selective reviews of the empirical evidence for the efficacy of psychotropic medications and studies of their use patterns were reviewed.


RESULTS
Very strong efficacy for at least the short-term benefits and safety of stimulant medications was found and some good efficacy and safety evidence for the treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders with seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) was also found. Efficacy for tricyclic antidepressants to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was found but the presence of significant side effects makes them less the drugs of choice. Other medications are presented but with less rigorous evidence. Studies of use found that stimulant medications are extensively prescribed in the US by both psychiatrists and primary care physicians. SSRI are also prescribed extensively but not to the extent of stimulants and are more frequently prescribed by psychiatrists.


CONCLUSIONS
There is now good evidence for the efficacy of some psychotropic agents and their use is an integral component in the management of childhood mental illnesses.
Wolraich
Mark L
ML
Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, USA. mark-wolraich@ouhsc.edu
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002665:Child Psychiatry; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs