Psychopharmacology in childhood disorders

Although not explicitly stated elsewhere, it should be clear that medication alone is rarely a sufficient treatment for childhood disorders and should usually be prescribed in conjunction with psychosocial interventions within a biopsychosocial framework. Even when cause is assumed to be largely or wholly biologic, as in infantile autism, there are secondary psychosocial consequences in the child and family that medication does not address. Finally, in the context of careful diagnosis and formulation, the appropriate use of medication is an essential component of effective management.