Confidently prescribe, monitor, and manage medications for childhood mental health disorders. This game-changing resource from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) arms you with a unique strategic approach - plus practice-tested, condition-specific treatment recommendations. Obtain clear guidance on dosing, monitoring, and potential adverse reactions of psychotropic medications for treatment of common psychiatric disorders and mental health or behavioral problems in children and adolescents.Free bonus digital tool! Get instant answers on specific conditions and medications from your desktop or mobile device!Evidence-based conceptual framework A clear, straightforward methodology - based on current research and clinical experience - defines discrete levels of psychotropic agents and spells out level-specific roles and responsibilities.Group 1:Medications FDA-approved for youth for ADHD, anxiety, and depression - disorders for which pediatric primary care providers commonly initiate treatment and assume prescribing and monitoring responsibilities. Administration and management information for each drug agent includes:Rationale for useEvidence supporting efficacy and safetyInitial dosing and subsequent adjustmentsMeasuring therapeutic successWhen to consult or referGroup 2: Medications FDA-approved for youth, typically prescribed by specialists but often monitored in the primary care setting: antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and sleep aids. To support primary care clinicians collaborative role, usage rationales, efficacy data, and adverse effect profiles are specified for all of these agents.Group 3: Medications not FDA-approved for youth that primary care clinicians will likely encounter. To support primary care clinicians collaborative role, efficacy data and adverse effect profiles are specified for these agents.Proven, practice-focused guidance Hands-on help spanning the therapeutic process:Assessing for common disordersAssessing for psychiatric comorbiditiesIdentifying medication needsInformed consentMonitoring patient progressManaging side effectsManaging multiple medicationsStopping or changing medications