Principles Regarding the Use of Psychotropic Medications in Children and Adolescents
Medication can be an effective part of treatment for several psychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence. The physician or advanced practice professional who recommends medication should fully explain the reasons for recommending it, the benefits it should provide, and the possible risks, adverse effects, and other treatment alternatives.
General considerations:
Evidence-based therapies are the first-line treatment for most psychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence. Ideally, at least 12 weeks of evidence-based therapy should be completed before considering medication. Therapy should continue during medication treatment.
Sleep is an important part of a child and adolescent’s ability to manage stress and their emotions. Make sure the child is practicing good sleep habits.
Except in rare cases, only one medication should be started at a time. Most children, especially young children, rarely need more than one psychotropic medication.
Medications should be started low and increased slowly with assessments between dose increases. Medications should be continued at the lowest effective medication dose.
Antipsychotics should be used with caution, and for a limited number of diagnoses. There is little evidence that two antipsychotics are better than one.
Routine monitoring is important over the course of the medication. Follow-up visits should occur at least every three months while medications are being changed.
When the child is stable, the psychiatric medication provider should evaluate the child and attempt to lower the dose and work to discontinue medication.
Never stop or change a medication without speaking to the child’s psychiatric medication provider.
These principles of medication prescribing were adapted from the University of Utah’s Utah Psychotropic Oversight Program.
CHECK-IN PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION REVIEW
If you are a Hamilton County caseworker, you can request a medication review with the CHECK-IN psychiatrist for a child in the custody of Hamilton County Jobs and Family Services. This includes a chart review and a review of any documentation the caseworker provides. Consider a consultation for any of the following:
The child is prescribed three or more psychotropic medications at once
The child is prescribed two or more medications from the same class
The child is 5 years old or younger
Click HERE to be directed to our consultation request form.
Medication Disposal Instructions
Click HERE for guidance on disposing of medications.
If you would like more information about the medication the child is prescribed, search the name of the medication in the search bar below
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