Pharmacotherapy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Disorders (PDF)

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 question 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. 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,
the placebo response and unique strategies for delineating this,
and ways to optimize the differential between active medication and
placebo. It reviews the impact of recent American Heart Association
guidelines for monitoring children on stimulants and other
psychotropics. It adheres closely to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria
throughout. The book describes the use of newly approved drugs such
as Lexapro for treating adolescent depression and the novel
compound Intuniv. It covers the TADS and CAMS studies, which
evaluated the use of SSRIs alone and in combination with cognitive
behavioral therapy for adolescent depression. Other topics include
treatment of bipolar disorders, the increasing popularity of
generic equivalents, combination pharmacotherapy and the potential
dangers of psychotropic medications.

* Third edition of the first ever book published on pediatric
psychopharmacology from renowned editors.

* 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.

* Features many tables, figures and pictorials, making it highly
accessible and reader friendly.