Psychopharmacologic treatment of traumatized youth.
OBJECTIVE
To review and summarize existing literature regarding pharmacological interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. A literature search limited to articles focused on the pharmacological treatment of children aged 0-18 years with a history of trauma and/or PTSD was conducted through the National Library of Medicine and PsychInfo, 1967-present, and each citation manually reviewed.


RESULTS
Pharmacologic trials for pediatric PTSD are limited in scope and number, with one small double-blind, randomized controlled trial of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline. Two brief, small, double-blind, randomized controlled trials of imipramine for children and adolescents with acute stress disorder have been conducted, with mixed results. Only case reports or open-labeled trials have been conducted with alpha-adrenergic agents, other antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, and antiepileptic agents.


CONCLUSIONS
Data supporting the use of medications in the treatment of PTSD in children and adolescents are limited. SSRIs show promise and deserve additional study, but conclusive support for their use is not available as it is in adults. Additional research is needed, with other drugs of interest including other antidepressants, alpha-adrenergic agents, and possibly the antiepileptic agent carbamazepine.
Stamatakos
Maria
M
Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Department of Psychiatry, Columbus, OH 43205, USA. maria.stamatakos@nationwidechildrens.org
Campo
John V
JV
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors