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Understanding Chronic Aggression and Its Treatment in Children and Adolescents.
Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2019 Nov 18;21(12):123
Authors: Magalotti SR, Neudecker M, Zaraa SG, McVoy MK
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Youth aggression is common and has a significant burden on individuals, families, and society. However, its treatment is often a challenge for clinicians. Thus, this review will examine the current understanding of youth aggression, conceptualize aggression as a symptom rather than its own disorder, and provide an overview of treatment strategies.
RECENT FINDINGS: Youth aggression is associated with complex genetic, neurobiological, and environmental risks. Prevention strategies are of the utmost importance for at-risk families and youth. Psychosocial interventions are the first line treatment. But if not fully effective, then pharmacologic interventions-including psychostimulants, alpha-2 agonists, atomoxetine, and risperidone-have shown benefits. Other medications, such as SSRIs, can be useful in certain scenarios. It is important to conceptualize youth aggression as being a trans-diagnostic symptom in psychopathology. Determining the underlying cause of aggression will help to guide treatment.
PMID: 31741142 [PubMed – in process]
via https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31741142?dopt=Abstract