Pediatric psychopharmacology in primary care: a conceptual framework

In a 2009 policy statement focused on children's mental health, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that pediatric primary care physicians achieve competence in initiating care for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, and substance use/abuse. Because treatment for 3 of these conditions--ADHD, anxiety, and depression--may, under certain conditions, include medication, the primary purpose of this article is to offer guidance to assist primary care physicians in decision-making about their use of psychotropic medications for these conditions. A few medications with proven efficacy and safety are emphasized. Secondarily, other medications that may be useful for other disorders are noted.