FindCounseling.com Staff In light of a recent increase in the number of <a href="/help/news/2006/10/study_okays_ritalin_for_preschoolers_debate_ensues.html">children aged 3 to 6 receiving psychiatric</a> medication, medical professionals have released a set of treatment guidelines, published in this month's <a href="http://www.jaacap.com/">Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry</a>. <br /> <br />A group of clinicians and early childhood psychiatric researchers called the Preschool Psychopharmacology Working Group developed algorithms for the treatment of nine mental health disorders including <a href="/glossary/bipolar-disorder-manic-depression.html" title="Interactive Glossary: Definition of Bipolar Disorder">bipolar disorder</a>, <a href="/glossary/obsessive-compulsive-disorders-ocd.html" title="Interactive Glossary: Definition of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)">obsessive-compulsive disorder</a> and <a href="/glossary/add.html" title="Interactive Glossary: Definition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder">attention deficit hyperactivity disorder</a> based on a review of existing literature. The first step in each algorithm is a thorough diagnostic assessment which takes into account a child's symptoms, medical history, developmental history and relationships. If a diagnosis is confirmed, the paper recommends family-focused psychotherapy. Later, if the child is not responding and medication is necessary, it may be prescribed along with psychotherapy. After successful treatment, they recommend a discontinuation of medication in order to reassess the child and treatment. <br /><strong> <br />ABSTRACT:</strong> <a href="http://www.jaacap.com/pt/re/jaacap/abstract.00004583-200712000-00004.htm">Psychopharmacological Treatment for Very Young Children: Contexts and Guidelines. </a> <br /> children, Diagnosis, Behavior, psychiatric, psychiatry, guidelines, disorders treatment 2008-09-06T11:13:20-05:00 5685 children, Diagnosis, Behavior, psychiatric, psychiatry, guidelines, disorders treatment /help/news/2007/12/guidelines_for_psychopharmacological_treatment_of_young_chil.html true 2007-12-12T10:49:35-06:00 guidelines_for_psychopharmacological_treatment_of_young_chil In light of a recent increase in the number of children aged 3 to 6 receiving psychiatric medication, medical professionals have released a set of treatment guidelines. 2009-02-19T10:01:19-06:00