Providing a basic rationale for the involvement of school psychologists in many aspects of psychopharmacology with children, this article identifies those who may benefit from medication, and systematic monitoring of the efficacy and side effects of various psychotropic drugs. Further, a case is made for the active participation of school psychologists in research programs involving various psychotropic agents, particularly those that affect learning and cognition. The classification of commonly used psychotropics and their indications are presented, as well as issues associated with the medication of school children including patient education, compliance, and multimodal or adjunctive therapies. Finally, an important body of recent literature is reviewed regarding attitudes and beliefs about medication held by parents, teachers, and children.
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