title: The use of psychotropic medication for children in foster care.
abstract: The use of psychotropic medication for foster children is in itself not unique; however, these children are of particular interest because of the stress associated with their life situations. A thorough assessment of the child and family should occur before beginning these medications, and in general, they should only be used in the presence of a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition, diagnosis of a mental disorder. Parents and caregivers need to be aware of principles of use, potential side effects, and monitoring parameters.
authors: The University of Texas, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas 78712, USA. crismonl@mail.utexas.edu
authors: M Lynn
authors: ML
authors: Crismon
authors: Tami
authors: T
authors: Argo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000465:Algorithms; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005581:Foster Home Care; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs