Program Overview
During the past decade, new pharmacotherapies, including second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic (SGA) medications, have been increasingly prescribed for children and adolescents. Increased prescribing is believed to be related, in large part, to greater recognition of psychiatric disorders in youth. Pediatric treatment guidelines recommend SGAs for managing bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, schizophrenia, some anxiety disorders, and aggression associated with autism.
Safety and side effect concerns associated with atypical antipsychotic agents have become a topic of high importance in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Available data on the use of atypical antipsychotics in youth show that children and adolescents have unique adverse effect sensitivities. Clinical pharmacists are increasingly utilized as members of the multidisciplinary treatment team in all disciplines, including psychiatry. Pharmacists are involved in recommending appropriate dosing, monitoring and documenting adverse effects, and providing education to patients and families to promote the safe and effective use of psychopharmacotherapies.
This symposium will review the evidence-based use of SGAs in children and adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or autism spectrum disorders; the differential metabolic risks associated with SGAs; and appropriate patient monitoring and management, including drug selection and medication use policy.
