Abstract
The optimal clinical management of aggression in children and adolescents involves both behavioral and pharmacologic intervention strategies. This article reviews medication treatments for youngsters with autistic disorder and conduct disorder, conditions for which the pharmacologic management of aggression is often necessary. Efficacy results and associated adverse effects from selected clinical trials of most classes of psychotropic medications are discussed. While preliminary progress has been made in the development of medication treatments for these serious disorders of youth, additional controlled research and longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the efficacy and tolerability of currently available compounds within each diagnostic group.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / therapeutic use
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use
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Adult
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Age Factors
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Aggression / drug effects*
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Aggression / psychology
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Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
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Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
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Autistic Disorder / drug therapy*
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Autistic Disorder / psychology
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Central Nervous System Stimulants / therapeutic use
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Conduct Disorder / drug therapy*
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Conduct Disorder / psychology
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Humans
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Lithium / therapeutic use
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Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
Substances
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Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
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Adrenergic beta-Agonists
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Anticonvulsants
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Antipsychotic Agents
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Central Nervous System Stimulants
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Psychotropic Drugs
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Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
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Lithium