[Use of psychotropic drugs in children, adolescents and subjects with intellectual disability: a review].

AIM: In children, adolescents and subjects with intellectual disability (ID), psychotropic drugs are being used in large and increasing quantities. The aim of this article is to review efficacy and safety evidences of psychotropic drugs use in the above-mentioned patients.

METHODS

A literature search on this argument was conducted on Medline electronic archives encompassing english-language and other languages publications.

RESULTS

In children, adolescents and subjects with ID, the use of antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers, besides being effective for indications in psychiatric disorders of adults without ID, is proved to have good clinical efficacy in disorders which are characteristic of such patients categories, such as pervasive developmental disorders, disruptive behavior disorders and problem behaviours. In both patients populations non-medication based strategies should be considered first. The adverse effects profiles of psychotropic drugs administered in children, adolescents and subjects with ID seems to be different from the ones registered in adults without ID, thus particular caution and precautions are recommended.

DISCUSSION: Given the paucity of data (especially in the long term) and the metodological limitations of currently available researches, more studies are needed to develop scientific evidences able to guide practitioners in the use of psychotropic medications among childhood, adolescence and ID.