Keywords

clonidine, mental health, methylphenidate, preschool, psychotropic medications, riperidone

 

Authors

  1. Rappley, Marsha D. MD

Abstract

Preschool children who receive psychotropic medications are a special and vulnerable group of children. They have a wide range of mental health and other medical diagnoses. Their families face challenges in parenting as well as social and mental health issues. These children receive a very large spectrum of psychotropic medications. The issue of safe and appropriate use of such medication is of concern within the context of increased diagnosis of mental health conditions, especially attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders, and the increased use of psychotropic medications for all children and adults. Stimulants, risperidone, and clonidine are the few medications studied in this age group. A national registry or other large-scale organized approach is likely the best method to gather information related to indications and long-term management of psychotropic medications for preschool-aged children. An approach is suggested to allow treatment while specific guidance is formulated at the national level to address the urgent and serious problems presented by preschool children and their families.