Psychopharmacology in child and adolescent psychiatry: a review of the past seven years. Part II.

OBJECTIVE

To present a critical overview of the selected literature published in the past 7 years on the efficacy and safety of psychoactive agents in conduct disorder, schizophrenia, separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and sleep and eating disorders.

METHOD

Reports of double-blind and placebo-controlled trials and open studies were reviewed and selected studies presented.

RESULTS

Employment of larger samples of diagnostically homogeneous patients and a more sophisticated design and methodology led to progress in the treatment of most of these conditions. Data have been accumulated on dose range and safety of lithium in this age group, and there is supportive evidence that lithium is useful in reducing aggression.

CONCLUSIONS

For a rational treatment approach, further studies are needed, particularly in depression and conduct disorder; psychosocial-environment contributions and possible biological markers should be investigated in order to identify children who require psychopharmacological treatments and those who will respond to psychosocial interventions or the combination of both. Symptoms targeted to require pharmacotherapy and symptoms targeted to respond to psychosocial interventions have to be identified.