Posted: November 20th, 2024

Special Considerations Related to Prescribing for Children and Adolescents Essay

Special Considerations Related to Prescribing for Children and Adolescents Essay.

One of the common and effective drugs for children with schizophrenia or childhood-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders is Aripiprazole (Abilify). This medication is often chosen due to its favorable side effect profile compared to other antipsychotics. The FDA approves aripiprazole (Abilify) to treat childhood schizophrenia among teenagers (Abidi et al., 2017). This approval is based on extensive clinical trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety in this age group. The off-label drug use is paliperidone, which is effective in the treatment of symptoms of schizophrenia. Off-label use allows clinicians to tailor treatments to individual patient needs when standard options are insufficient. The atypical antipsychotics treat conditions such as loss of interest, unusual thinking, and inappropriate emotions (Abidi et al., 2017). These symptoms can severely impact a child’s ability to function in daily life, making effective treatment crucial. Both FDA-approved and off-label drugs are used to treat childhood-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders among children and adults. This dual approach provides flexibility in managing complex cases.

Non-pharmacological approaches are effective in the treatment of childhood-onset schizophrenia spectrum disorders. These methods can complement medication by addressing psychological and social aspects of the disorder. Psychotherapy involves both individual and family therapy (Pagsberg et al., 2017). Engaging the family in therapy can enhance the support system for the child. Individual therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help clients deal with life’s daily challenges. This type of therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns to improve behavior and mood. For example, psychotherapy can help the children make friends at school and achieve their learning goals. Social skills training is often a component of therapy to aid in this process. Family therapy is recommended to ensure the family supports the child (Pagsberg et al., 2017). It also helps family members understand the disorder and how to manage it effectively. Family therapy helps the family members to learn communication skills and resolving conflicts at home. Improved communication can reduce stress and improve family dynamics. A psychiatrist or counselor will plan for a series of sessions to achieve the expected outcome (Pagsberg et al., 2017). Regular sessions provide ongoing support and adjustment of strategies as needed. Combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of treating children schizophrenia improves the results. This integrated approach can lead to better long-term outcomes for the child.

Risk Assessment

A risk assessment is necessary while prescribing drugs to children. This process helps identify potential adverse effects and ensures the benefits outweigh the risks. The purpose is to reduce the risk of adverse reactions, improve administration efficacy and adherence (Addington et al., 2017). Proper assessment can also guide dosage adjustments to minimize side effects. FDA-approved drugs are safe since they have been manufactured according to federal safety standards. These standards ensure that the drugs have been rigorously tested for safety and efficacy. FDA-approved drugs are safe and effective with minimal side effects on adults and children (Addington et al., 2017). However, individual responses can vary, necessitating close monitoring. One of the risks of the drugs is prescribing the wrong dosage to the inappropriate age group. Incorrect dosing can lead to either suboptimal treatment or increased risk of side effects.

Studies show that 54 percent of patients who receive off-label drugs are at risk of adverse drug reactions or allergic responses. This statistic highlights the importance of careful consideration and monitoring when using off-label medications. The risks occur since the prescription is not backed by strong and sufficient research data (Addington et al., 2017). Clinicians must rely on their judgment and available evidence to make informed decisions. Although the practice is common among pediatrics and elderly patients, it presents various risks to the patients. These risks necessitate a thorough discussion with patients and their families about potential outcomes. Off-label drug use is effective among patients when healthcare workers exhaust other available options (Abidi et al., 2017). It provides an alternative when standard treatments are ineffective or unavailable. Another benefit is that off-label prescription gives the healthcare workers the freedom to explore new ways of treating health conditions based on the latest evidence. This flexibility can lead to innovative treatment strategies that improve patient care.

Clinical Practice Guidelines

The clinical practice guidelines improve the response to the health condition. They provide a framework for consistent and effective treatment across different healthcare settings. The guidelines require healthcare workers to assess and diagnose the condition effectively. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for selecting the most appropriate treatment plan. Using approved methods and assessment tools is necessary to promote accurate and quality reports (Abidi et al., 2017). These tools help ensure that all aspects of the disorder are considered in the treatment plan. Healthcare workers should plan effectively on the best strategies for providing treatment to the patients. This planning should be individualized to meet the specific needs of each patient. For example, the planning should comprise both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. A comprehensive approach can address both the biological and psychosocial aspects of the disorder. Adhering to the practice guidelines improves the quality of the results (Pagsberg et al., 2017). Consistent application of guidelines can lead to better patient outcomes and reduced variability in care. For example, healthcare workers should balance between the benefits and harm of prescribing various drugs. This balance is essential to minimize side effects while maximizing therapeutic benefits. Balancing the medication should involve adjusting the dosage or using off-label drugs. Such adjustments require careful monitoring and ongoing assessment.

Clinical guidelines indicate the need to avoid changing medication for patients with mental conditions. Stability in medication can prevent exacerbation of symptoms and improve adherence. Polypharmacy can trigger mixed reactions among patients. It is important to carefully evaluate the necessity of each medication in a patient’s regimen. Prescribing medication should consider the side effects (Pagsberg et al., 2017). Understanding potential side effects can guide the choice of medication and inform patient education. For example, some drugs trigger suicidal effects. Awareness of such risks is crucial for early intervention and prevention. It is important to educate a patient or family members on the risk of side effects (Addington et al., 2017). Education empowers patients and families to recognize and report adverse effects promptly. The precaution helps monitor the side effects and take considerable precautions to avoid negative outcomes. Proactive management of side effects can enhance treatment adherence and overall effectiveness.

References

Abidi, S., Mian, I., Garcia-Ortega, I., Lecomte, T., Raedler, T., Jackson, K., … & Addington, D. (2017). Canadian guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders in children and youth. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(9), 635-647.

Addington, D., Anderson, E., Kelly, M., Lesage, A., & Summerville, C. (2017). Canadian practice guidelines for comprehensive community treatment for schizophrenia and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(9), 662-672.

Pagsberg, A. K., Tarp, S., Glintborg, D., Stenstrøm, A. D., Fink-Jensen, A., Correll, C. U., & Christensen, R. (2017). Acute antipsychotic treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(3), 191-202.

Thompson, E. J., Wood, C. T., & Hornik, C. P. (2024). Pediatric Pharmacology for the Primary Care Provider: Advances and Limitations. Pediatrics, e2023064158.

Stahl, S. M. (2024). Prescriber’s Guide–Children and Adolescents: Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology. Cambridge University Press.

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