Psychopharmacology of pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder

Objective: To review the current knowledge of pharmacotherapy in the treatm ent of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as it applies to children and a dolescents and to provide a rational approach to medication use in Pediatri c PTSD. Method: The literature on the psychopharmacology of Pediatric PTSD is revie wed. Additionally, literature is reviewed on the neurobiological systems pr esumptively involved in trauma as well as studies in the pharmacology of ad ult PTSD, as they pertain to the treatment of Pediatric PTSD. Results: There are too few studies in the current Pediatric PTSD literature to confirm treatment recommendations. Downward extrapolation from the adul t literature combined with an understanding of the neurobiology of PTSD and its comorbid conditions may serve as the basis for a rational pharmacother apy of PTSD in childhood. The effectiveness of targeting pharmacological ag ents at PTSD symptom clusters and associated comorbid conditions remains to be verified in controlled clinical trials. Conclusions: The state of psychopharmacology for Pediatric PTSD is in its e arliest stages, While there are insufficient numbers of controlled pharmaco logical trials to make firm recommendations, the field requires a starting point for a rational psychopharmacological approach. Pharmacotherapy may pr ovide symptom relief of both the debilitating primary symptoms and the como rbid conditions in children suffering from PTSD.