Understanding Chronic Aggression and Its Treatment in Children and Adolescents.

Icon for Springer Related Articles

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