PHARMACOTHERAPY OF SCHOOL REFUSAL

This paper reviews the role and indications for pharmacotherapy of chi ldren with school refusal. The psychopharmacological treatment of scho ol refusal is based mainly on evidence of the effectiveness of certain drugs in the treatment of adult disorders. There is some evidence tha t tricyclic antidepressants and benzobiazepines may be specifically us eful in the treatment of school refusal, but further research is warra nted. Potentially serious side effects mean that drugs are best confin ed to cases where psychological treatments have not been effective or where drugs are used briefly as an adjunct to a broader psychological treatment plan. Drugs may also have a role in the specific treatment o f comorbid conditions associated with school refusal. Any use of drugs should involve regular reviews to monitor response, compliance, and s ide effects.