Medication strategies in childhood aggression: a review.

OBJECTIVE

To review studies of psychopharmacological management of aggression in common childhood psychiatric disorders.

METHOD

Using OVID software, we searched Medline for studies that were undertaken in the last 30 years. Controlled and uncontrolled data are summarized for each condition.

RESULTS

A paucity of evidence-based information currently exists. Even so, specific indications from the existing literature can be suggested for several classes of psychotropics, particularly in conduct disorder (CD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, and other conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians can use findings from reviewed controlled and, where necessary, uncontrolled studies to inform pharmacologic practice. This review offers suggestions for future research directions that will aid clinical practice.