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Current state of evidence for medication treatment of preschool internalizing disorders

Justin A Barterian1, Erin Rappuhn1, Erin L Seif1

  • 1401c Erickson Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.

Thescientificworldjournal
|March 7, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Psychotropic medication use for preschool internalizing disorders is limited, with few studies and weak methodologies. Clinicians need awareness of this evidence for informed treatment decisions in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Off-label psychotropic medication prescription is increasing for preschool children with internalizing disorders.
  • Anxiety and depressive disorders are common internalizing conditions in this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current evidence for psychotropic medication treatment of internalizing disorders in preschoolers (ages 2-5).
  • To inform mental health practitioners about the limited research and guide treatment decisions.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review identifying eleven studies based on a priori criteria.
  • Focus on research addressing medication treatment for anxiety and/or depressive disorders in young children.

Main Results:

  • The available literature on medication treatment for internalizing disorders in preschoolers is extremely limited.
  • Existing studies often employ relatively weak research methodologies.
  • Evidence for efficacy and safety in this population is scarce.

Conclusions:

  • Mental health practitioners must be aware of the limited and weak evidence base.
  • Informed treatment decisions require careful consideration of potential costs and benefits.
  • Further high-quality research is imperative for this vulnerable population.

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