Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
10:02

Event Related Potentials ERPs and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD

Published on: March 12, 2020

16.7K

Adverse effects of psychotropic medications in children: predictive factors

Ajit Ninan1, Shannon L Stewart2, Laura A Theall3

  • 1Child and Parent Resource Institute, London, Ontario ; Western University, London, Ontario.

Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry = Journal De L'Academie Canadienne De Psychiatrie De L'Enfant Et De L'Adolescent
|October 17, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Children with multiple psychiatric diagnoses and behavioral issues like impulsiveness are at higher risk for adverse effects (AE) from psychotropic medications. Identifying these risks early can improve treatment safety.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychiatry
  • Child Psychology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Psychotropic medication use in children has increased significantly over three decades.
  • Efficacy and adverse effect (AE) risks in pediatric populations remain unclear.
  • Identifying children at high risk for AE is crucial for safe treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify mental health characteristics predicting adverse effects (AE) in pediatric psychotropic medication users.
  • To explore the relationship between client characteristics and potential AE.
  • To inform risk assessment for psychotropic medication in children.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized psychotropic medication monitoring checklists for 99 pediatric clients in residential treatment.
  • Monitored potential adverse effects (AE) over one to eight weeks.
  • Analyzed client characteristics, including number of diagnoses and behavioral variables, for predictive value.

Main Results:

  • The number of potential adverse effects (AE) was positively predicted by the number of DSM-IV diagnostic categories.
  • Behavioral symptoms of impulsiveness and uncooperativeness significantly predicted potential AE.
  • Client characteristics demonstrated predictive value for observed AE.

Conclusions:

  • Potential adverse effects (AE) from psychotropic medications in children appear predictable.
  • Client characteristics, such as diagnostic complexity and specific behaviors, can indicate AE risk.
  • Predicting AE likelihood aids in treatment guidance, monitoring, and prevention of adverse events.
Abstract

Keywords:
adverse effectschildrenpsychotropic medication monitoring checklistresidential care

More Related Videos

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis05:52

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis

Published on: November 21, 2013

13.6K
The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients05:48

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients

Published on: June 12, 2020

5.4K

Related Concept Videos

Drug Toxicity: Risk factors01:24

Drug Toxicity: Risk factors

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are potential complications that arise during pharmacotherapy, influenced by multiple risk factors. Age plays a significant role; both neonates and the elderly are at heightened risk due to their respective immature and diminished metabolic and elimination processes. Gender also impacts ADRs, with females experiencing a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater risk than males, which may be linked to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and hormonal differences. Notably, neonates, the...
225
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.4K
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight,...
532
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
918
Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview01:21

Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview

When it comes to infants and young children, they are typically administered smaller doses of medication in comparison to adults. This is primarily because their organ functions still need to fully develop, meaning their bodies are not as efficient at metabolizing or eliminating drugs. Additionally, their blood-brain barrier is more permeable than in adults. As a result, high concentrations of drugs can easily penetrate the central nervous system (CNS), potentially leading to neurological...
3.1K
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
946