Main description:

Current research indicates that up to ten percent of children suffer from mental health problems at some point before reaching adulthood. Complex diagnostic criteria and medication regimes can make these patients a challenge to manage. The chronic shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists has led to more and more cases being cared for by pediatricians and primary care practitioners. Patients may be on multiple medications of long duration, and reaching a decision to modify or cease treatment is often complicated. Pediatric and Adolescent Psychopharmacology: A Practical Manual for Pediatricians is written for all non-psychiatrists who find themselves caring for children and teenagers with mental health disorders. It gives clear, expert guidance on the complexities of diagnosis of mental health disorders and provides practical, accessible advice on the complex treatment options available for many disorders. This text will be an invaluable resource for all clinicians who encounter these vulnerable patients.

Contents:

1. Principles of psychological management; 2. The basics of pharmacology and neurotransmission; 3. Basics of prescribing psychopharmacologic agents; 4. Anxiety disorders; 5. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; 6. Child and adolescent depression; 7. Disruptive behavior and aggressive disorders; 8. Schizophrenia in childhood and adolescence; 9. Autism spectrum disorders; 10. Psychotropic management of children and adolescents with cognitive-adaptive disabilities; 11. Sleep disorders in children and adolescents; 12. Tic disorders in children and adolescents; 13. Substance abuse disorders.