The Science and Ethics of Antipsychotic Use in Children

The Science and Ethics of Antipsychotic Use in Children reviews the latest findings for the safety and efficacy of the rapidly rising incidence of antipsychotic use in children and examines tensions that are created by off-label use, both in clinical psychiatric practice and research. In the past ten years, the number of antipsychotics prescribed to children with psychiatric disorders has skyrocketed. Despite this rapid growth, most medications have been inadequately studied in children for safety or efficacy and many have serious adverse health. Measures are needed to ensure that the health and safety of children are being protected, and debates have emerged over whether or not clinical trials in this population should be conducted. Offers coverage of efficacy, prevalence, and adverse impacts of the use of antipsychotics in children Explores ethics challenges of clinical research in this patient population Serves as a platform for future discussions designed to increase the safety of children taking antipsychotics Edited work with chapters authored by leading neuroethicists in the field around the globe – the broadest, most expert coverage available