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Advances in paediatric neuropsychopharmacology: an overview

J S March1, B Vitiello

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. jsmarch@acpub.duke.edu

The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology
|July 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

This review covers advances in child and adolescent neuropsychopharmacology, focusing on depression, anxiety, PANDAS, OCD, and methylphenidate pharmacokinetics. It contextualizes findings within recent research and NIMH initiatives.

Area of Science:

  • Neuropsychopharmacology
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Background:

  • Paediatric neuropsychopharmacology is a rapidly evolving field.
  • Understanding neurobiological underpinnings of child psychiatric disorders is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight current progress in paediatric neuropsychopharmacology.
  • To contextualize recent findings within the broader field and NIMH initiatives.

Main Methods:

  • Critical reviews of existing literature.
  • Inclusion of new data where applicable.

Main Results:

  • Exploration of biological findings in major depression.
  • Examination of sleep dysregulation in depressed youth.
  • Analysis of cardiovascular and ventilatory dysregulation in panic disorder.
  • Discussion of paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with strep (PANDAS).
  • Investigation of age of onset as a subtype marker in tic and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD).
  • Review of functional and pharmaconeuroanatomy of OCD.
  • Assessment of behavioural pharmacokinetics of methylphenidate.

Conclusions:

  • The Special Section provides a comprehensive overview of key areas in paediatric neuropsychopharmacology.
  • These articles offer insights into current research and future directions, informed by NIMH initiatives.

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