: Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology for Clinicians

Age is not a factor when it comes to the emergence of mental disorders, yet there is little reliable data that addresses the use of psychiatric medication in children and adolescents. A few of the many possible headwinds associated with this include: Maturational and developmental issues regarding how young people respond to psychiatric medication; safety factors; sensitivity to side effects; low self-esteem and poor self-image issues in this population and the vulnerability of youth to diagnostic fads.

This practical, straightforward program will address the mental disorders that typically emerge during childhood and adolescence, together with the medications used to manage them.

Program Objectives:

• Describe the maturational and developmental issues regarding response to medication in youth
• Discuss the mental disorders that typically emerge during childhood and adolescence
• Examine symptoms, how to differentiate among disorders, and medications employed in treatment
• Address recommendations and ways for parents, clinicians and counselors to help curb the misuse of psychotropic medication in youth
• Discuss the rising rates of suicide in youth and the influence of social media on child and adolescent mental health

For more information or to register:  Christy Denicola, LCSW    cdenicola@rkmcare.org

This workshop is approved for 5.0 CE clock hours in Diagnosis.  It was not reveiwed for NBCC credits.