Recent advances in paediatric psychopharmacology: A brief overview

Abstract

Drug treatments for psychiatric disorders in children have always been a matter of controversy. During the past two decades psychopharmacologists have made considerable strides in establishing the efficacy and safety of existing drugs. Recent research has also generated new treatments whose practical benefits are yet to be established. This article presents a brief and selective overview of the current state of paediatric psychopharmacology.

Prescribing Practices of General Practitioners for Children with Mental Health Problems

“…GPs were more likely to prescribe tricyclic antidepressants than SSRIs. Recent studies (Ambrosini, 2000; Mirza, Micheal, & Dinan, 1994) suggest that tricyclic antidepressants are not efficacious in the treatment of depression in children and adolescents whilst there is growing evidence that SSRIs are effective in treating adolescent depression (Emslie et al, 1997), though these results are inconsistent (Martin, Kaufman, & Charney, 2000). There have also been at least seven reported cases of sudden death in children treated with tricyclic antidepressants (Varley & McClellan, 1997).…”

Letter

“…I would like to comment on the interesting overview of the drug treatment of children with behaviour problems by Mirza et al (1994). Firstly, do we know whether methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine and pemoline actually 'stimulate' the brain (Mirza et al.…”