Psychiatric Pharmacotherapy in Children and Adolescents
Creators: name: ALI, Liyana
Publisher: name: figshare
Year: 2024
Subjects: classificationCode: 320221
subject: Psychiatry (incl. psychotherapy)
classificationCode: 321402
subject: Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics

description: Psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents present significant challenges to clinicians and researchers alike, with the prevalence of these conditions steadily rising in recent years. Psychiatric pharmacotherapy plays a pivotal role in the treatment and management of these disorders, offering relief from symptoms and improving overall quality of life. However, the use of psychotropic medications in pediatric populations necessitates a nuanced understanding of factors such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes. This research thesis provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature on psychiatric pharmacotherapy in children and adolescents, synthesising findings from a wide range of studies to offer insights into current practices, challenges, and future directions in the field. The review begins by examining the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations that are unique to pediatric populations, including age-related differences in drug metabolism, drug-drug interactions, and the impact of developmental stages on treatment response. Subsequent sections focus on evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of common psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. Each disorder is explored in detail, with an emphasis on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of various pharmacological interventions, as well as considerations for personalised treatment approaches based on individual patient characteristics and symptom profiles. In addition to discussing specific medications and treatment strategies, this thesis also addresses broader topics related to psychiatric pharmacotherapy in pediatric populations, such as the integration of psychopharmacology with psychotherapy and other non-pharmacological interventions, the role of shared decision-making in treatment planning, and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of psychotropic medications in minors. Furthermore, the review examines the long-term outcomes and potential risks associated with psychiatric pharmacotherapy in children and adolescents, including the impact of medication adherence, the emergence of side effects and adverse events, and the potential for medication misuse or abuse. Special attention is given to the need for ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and minimize potential harm. By synthesising and critically analysing the latest evidence from peer-reviewed studies, this research thesis aims to advance understanding of psychiatric pharmacotherapy in children and adolescents, inform clinical practice, and guide future research efforts aimed at improving the treatment and management of psychiatric disorders in pediatric populations.