| Summary: | It is estimated that 8% to 12% of youth are prescribed psychotropic medications. Those in foster care, juvenile justice systems, residential treatment facilities, and with developmental or intellectual disabilities are more likely to be prescribed high-risk regimens. The use of psychotropic medications in this age group is often off-label and can be associated with significant risk, warranting critical evaluation of their role. Landmark trials, pediatric-specific guidelines, and state-driven initiatives play critical roles in supporting evidence-based use of psychotropic medications in children. Overall, there is a lack of literature describing the long-term use of psychotropic medications in youth-particularly with regard to neurobiological, physical, and social changes that occur throughout development. Deprescribing is an important practice in child and adolescent psychiatry, given concerns for over-prescribing, inappropriate polytherapy, and the importance of reevaluating the role of psychotropic medications as children develop. © 2021 CPNP.
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