Guidelines for Psychopharmacological Treatment of Young Children Released

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, published in this month's Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

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 bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 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.

ABSTRACT: Psychopharmacological Treatment for Very Young Children: Contexts and Guidelines.