Pediatric Psychopharmacology For Primary Care

Confidently prescribe, monitor, and manage medications for childhood mental health disorders. This game-changing resource from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) arms you with a unique strategic approach - plus practice-tested, condition-specific treatment recommendations. Obtain clear guidance on dosing, monitoring, and potential adverse reactions of psychotropic medications for treatment of common psychiatric disorders and mental health or behavioral problems in children and adolescents.

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Evidence-based conceptual framework
A clear, straightforward methodology - based on current research and clinical experience - defines discrete levels of psychotropic agents and spells out level-specific roles and responsibilities.

Group 1:Medications FDA-approved for youth for ADHD, anxiety, and depression - disorders for which pediatric primary care providers commonly initiate treatment and assume prescribing and monitoring responsibilities.
Administration and management information for each drug agent includes:

• Rationale for use
• Evidence supporting efficacy and safety
• Initial dosing and subsequent adjustments
• Measuring therapeutic success
• When to consult or refer

Group 2: Medications FDA-approved for youth, typically prescribed by specialists but often monitored in the primary care setting: antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and sleep aids. To support primary care clinician's collaborative role, usage rationales, efficacy data, and adverse effect profiles are specified for all of these agents.

Group 3: Medications not FDA-approved for youth that primary care clinicians will likely encounter. To support primary care clinician's collaborative role, efficacy data and adverse effect profiles are specified for these agents.

Proven, practice-focused guidance
Hands-on help spanning the therapeutic process:

• Assessing for common disorders
• Assessing for psychiatric comorbidities
• Identifying medication needs
• Informed consent
• Monitoring patient progress
• Managing side effects
• Managing multiple medications
• Stopping or changing medications