Pediatric Psychopharmacology Fast Facts


Buy It Now!

Guide to pediatric psychopharmacology is valuable resource
(January 2008 Issue)

“Pediatric Psychopharmacology Fast Facts”
By Daniel F. Connor and Bruce M. Meltzer
W. W. Norton & Company
New York, N.Y., 2006

By James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA

Psychologists providing mental health services should be knowledgeable about pharmacological treatment. One reason is that many psychotherapy patients take psychiatric medications. Consider too that several states now grant prescribing rights to psychologists. Accordingly, it is critical to understand the therapeutic uses, intent, actions and contraindications of psychotropic drugs.

Focusing on pediatric psychopharmacology, this book is intended for a wide professional audience including psychology practitioners. Physicians Daniel F. Connor and Bruce M. Meltzer describe their book as a "practical clinical guide." It is comprised of three parts, starting with a concise overview of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, pharmacokinetics and general principles of treatment. The introductory chapters are brief but informative and easy to understand.

Part II of the book covers specific classes of medication: stimulants, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, adrenergic agents and other less frequently prescribed drugs. Within each class, the authors evaluate numerous medications and respective indications, dosing guidelines, side effects and precautions. This information is similar to content found in the Physician Desk Reference (PDR) albeit more concise for the non-physician practitioner.

Part III of the book is titled "The Disorders and Their Treatment." Here, the authors present diagnostic, assessment and therapeutic recommendations for the most prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders in the pediatric population. Most impressive among many positive features is advice about how medications should be selected for distinct clinical conditions.

There is an appendix to the book that by itself is an invaluable resource. It contains medical data concerning pharmacological efficacy with children and adolescents, practical assessment tools and a list of parent support services. Another bonus is a comprehensive bibliography of publications arranged by medication type and neuropsychiatric disorder.

This is a wonderful book, cleverly designed and consistent with its stated objectives. The authors have condensed an enormous amount of information into a highly readable and easily navigated text. Reading the entire book would be a meaningful enterprise but more likely, professionals will make use of it as a procedural and informational guide in the context of their clinical care. I've already ordered a copy of "Pediatric Psychopharmacology Fast Facts" to add to my "go to" reference library. You'll be rewarded if you do the same.

James K. Luiselli, Ed.D., ABPP, BCBA, is senior vice president, applied research, clinical training and peer review at the May Institute in Norwood, Mass.