This book fulfils an urgent need for an updated text on pediatric psychopharmacology. It takes a unique approach in discussing recent findings within the context of current issues, including economic and political ones. The book covers the emerging issue of treating children who do not yet meet diagnostic criteria for psychosis, e.g, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, but who are deemed to be at high risk and who are being treated. This is an active area of debate: such children are being treated in certain centers, while others reject this completely. The book addresses the antidepressant controversy/placebo response and unique strategies for delineating placebo response/increasing differential between active medication and placebo. It reviews the impact of recent American Heart Association guidelines for monitoring children on stimulants and other psychotropics with specific recommendations. It adheres closely to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria throughout. It describes the use of newly approved drugs such as Lexapro for treating adolescent depression and novel compound Intuniv and how it is prescribed. It covers the TADS and CAMS studies evaluating the use of SSRIs alone and in combination with cognitive behavioural therapy for adolescent depression. Other topics include treatment of bipolar disorders, increasing popularity of generic equivalents, combination pharmacotherapy and the potential dangers of psychotropic medications. This is the third edition of the first ever book published on pediatric psychopharmacology from renowned editors. It: incorporates current developments with regard to SSRIs, their indications and their safety issues, including possible associated suicidal behavior; addresses concerns about cardiovascular side effects of the new stimulant medications available, and compares to other FDA-approved medications for ADHD; and, features many tables, figures and pictorials, making it highly accessible and reader friendly.
