An Update on Psychopharmacologic Medication What Teachers, Clinicians, and Parents Need to Know

• Published in: Intervention in school and clinic Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 4 - 21
• Main Authors: Sweeney, Dwight P., Forness, Steven R., Kavale, Kenneth A., Levitt, Jennifer G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.09.1997; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adolescents; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Behavior Disorders; Behavior Problems; Children; Drug Therapy; Drug Use; Drugs; Emotional Disturbances; Learning Disabilities; Outcomes of Treatment; Pharmacology; Sedatives; Side effects; Special needs children; Stimulants; Treatment
• ISSN: 1053-4512; 1538-4810
• DOI: 10.1177/105345129703300103

Four major classes of medications are commonly used to treat children with learning or behavioral disorders: stimulant medications, antidepressants or mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants. In addition, anxiolytics (e.g., Valium) and adrenergic agents (e.g., clonidine) are occasionally used to treat some disorders. Research estimates suggest that between 2% and 3% of all school children may be on one of these medications at any time. It has been further estimated that between 15% and 20% of children in special education may be receiving one or more of these drugs. This article discusses the potential uses and abuses of psychopharmacologic therapy with children or adolescents displaying learning, emotional, or behavioral disorders. It explores the indications and contraindications of such therapy and enumerates the known side effects of the most frequently prescribed medications.