Attention deficit disorder antipsychotic drugs

Stahl s Essential Psychopharmacology has established itself as the preeminent source of education and information in its field. This much expanded second edition enlists advances in neurobiology and recent clinical developments to explain with renewed clarity the concepts underlying drug treatment of psychiatric disorders. New neurotransmitter systems, new theories of schizophrenia, clinical advances in antipsychotic and antidepressant therapy, new coverage of attention deficit disorder, sleep disorders, and drug abuse, and a new chapter on sex-specific and sexual function-related psychopharmacology—these are all features of this edition. 

Drug treatment of childhood psychosis and other behavioral disorders of children is confused by diagnostic inconsistencies and a paucity of controlled trials. Antipsychotics can benefit children with disorders characterized by features that occur in adult psychoses, mania, autism, or Tourette s syndrome. Low doses of the more potent or modem atypical agents usually are preferred in an attempt to avoid interference with daytime activities or performance in school. Attention deficit disorder, with or without hyperactivity, responds poorly to antipsychotic agents, but... 

About a quarter of the 3 million campers in the 2,600 camps belonging to the American Camp Association are medicated for attention deficit disorder, psychiatric problems, or mood disorders, according to Peg L. Smith, chief executive officer. The proliferation of children on stimulants for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), antidepressants, or antipsychotic drugs is not only in the setting of camps. It is the extension of an increasingly common year-round regimen in schools and at home. 

Many American children are being prescribed antipsychotic drugs for attention deficit disorder or other behavioral problems. Drugs such as Zyprexa and Risperdal are often sold for off-label use. What is needed is scientific documentation of the value of these uses at the molecular as well as psychological levels. 

The CNS stimulants methylphenidate and dexamfetamine are drugs of choice for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Second line treatment options include clonidine and the antipsychotic agents risperidone, haloperidol and sulpiride. 

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