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Use of Drugs in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Carole A. Kaplan*
Affiliation:
Preston Hospital, North Tyneside
Sharafat Hussain
Affiliation:
Preston Hospital, North Tyneside
*
Dr C. A. Kaplan, Fleming Nuffield Unit for Children and Young People, Burdon Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3AE

Abstract

Background

The prescription of psychotropic drugs for children is a sensitive and highly contentious subject which may explain the apparent lack of uniformity and consistency in clinical practice.

Method

This review is based on Medline and manual search of the literature.

Results

More than 1000 relevant references were found, and information has been culled from all these. Fifty particularly relevant articles have been selected for the reference list.

Conclusion

Recent years have seen considerable research in this field, and a clearer picture of the benefits and limitations of drug use in children is emerging.

Clinicians practising in the UK are generally conservative in their prescribing of psychotropic drugs for children. This cautious approach is generally justified by concern about toxic side-effects, the potential effects on growth and development, and the paucity of relevant clinical research.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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