Pediatric clinics of North America
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Pediatr. Clin. North Am. · Aug 2006
ReviewPsychopharmacology: clinical implications of brain neurochemistry.
There is an increasing prescription of psychotropic medications to youth. This use is accompanied by a developing, but lagging, evidence base for this use. These agents predominantly interact with regulatory neurotransmitters, which have known functions in the developing embryo. ⋯ Adverse events also are discussed in regards to these common psychopharmacological agents. There is growing evidence that the consequences of not treating serious psychiatric illnesses outweigh known risks of the medications. Prescription practices should endeavor to limit adverse consequences whenever possible.