The role of pharmacotherapy in the management of self-regulation difficulties in young children.
OBJECTIVE
To review adjunctive pharmacotherapeutic options in the management of self-regulation difficulties in young children.


METHODS
Review of available literature and clinical experience pertaining to use of psychiatric medications in preschool aged children (under age 6).


RESULTS
Relatively few medications are approved for use in preschool aged children. Pharmacotherapy in this age group may include melatonin for sleep disorders, psychostimulants for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), second-generation antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and alpha-agonists. Medication efficacy and adverse effects in this age group are poorly characterized and limited by lack of age-appropriate monitoring scales and published clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
As an adjunctive measure, pharmacotherapy is sometimes warranted in young children who are unable to self-regulate their physiological, emotional and behavioural responses.
Reebye
Pratibha N
PN
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia. preebye@cw.bc.ca
Elbe
Dean
D