Pharmacologic Treatment of Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and Adolescents (Part 1)

Abstract

A review is presented of the diagnosis and drug treatment of the more common psychiatric and developmental disorders in the pediatric population. Where applicable, DSM III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychiatric Disorders, III) criteria are utilized to describe the behavioral syndromes. The indications for usage and appropriate dosages of antipsychotics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, stimulants, and lithium are described. Those disorders discussed are attention deficit disorder, conduct disorders, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, schizophrenia, autism, Tourette's syndrome, mental retardation, depressive illness, manic depressive illness, eating disorders, and enuresis.