Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychopharmacology Made Simple

Book excerpt: Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychopharmacology Made Simple offers everything you need to know about the use of psychoactive medications in the treatment of childhood and adolescent psychological disorders in easy-to-understand language. This fully revised third edition offers updated DSM-V definitions, new information regarding teen use of antidepressants and suicidality, information on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ADHD medications, bipolar disorder, psychotic episodes and eating disorders in children and adolescents, the use of antipsychotics in children and adolescents, non-medication approaches and adjuncts to medications, and how to assess and treat noncompliance and "breakthrough" symptoms. Also included are fact sheets that clearly delineate frequently prescribed medications for each disorder along with medication side effects and signs of toxicity. For each psychological disorder, the book offers: current diagnostic criteria; treatment indications and contraindications; medication information; and help for monitoring, evaluating, and following up with patients. Whether you are a pediatrician, parent, therapist, educator, or other health care professional, this is the only resource you need to consult for the most up-to-date information on child and adolescent medications and treatment.