Pharmacologic Treatment of Children with Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

This chapter reviews the principles of psychopharmacological treatment for trauma and stressor-related disorders in children. It will discuss emerging psychopharmacological treatments and theories of trauma- and stress-related disorders (TSRDs) common to childhood, reactive attachment disorder, and disinhibited social engagement disorder. Although there is limited literature on the role of pharmacotherapy in treating TSRDs in children, it has been recognized that α‎- and β‎-adrenergic blocking agents, novel antipsychotic agents, non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants, and mood-stabilizing agents may be effective for children based on several open clinical trials. These trials, as well as existing promising clinical trials, are discussed in this chapter. It also provides an in-depth review of factors such as potential side effects, medication interactions, and black box warnings as they specifically apply to the pediatric population.