Search

The search for medicinal agents to improve emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric conditions of Homo sapiens has occurred for ages. The 20th century witnessed the development of psychopharmacologic agents, including stimulants in the 1930s (and 1950s), chlorpromazine in the 1950s, lithium, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, SSRIs (1990s), and others. The proper use of these agents in the pediatric population continues to be an active study. Atypical antipsychotics have been approved by the FDA for children and adolescents though their safety and efficacy in the pediatric population but must be assiduously ascertained with ongoing research in the eternal iatric maxim of primum non nocere. The science of evidence-based pharmacotherapy for mental health disorders in children and adolescents is finally emerging. Exciting discoveries await the researchers of this still early 21st century lead by the crucial collaborative efforts of academicians, pharmaceutical scientists, and medical government authorities. Controversies regarding the use of various psychopharmacologic agents for the pediatric population continue in the 21st century, requiring further research and insightful judgment for its applications in this vulnerable population. Excessive and unnecessary psychopharmacologic agents should be avoided in the pediatric population with behavioral/emotional/psychiatric conditions/disorders. In this second edition, the authors present updated information about psychopharmacology in childhood and adolescence.

Tropical medicine is a branch of medicine focusing on disorders usually found in subtropical and tropical areas of the world, while tropical pediatrics is a branch of tropical medicine focusing on children in these areas. The current process of global warming and the widespread issue of international travel are bringing these conditions to many places of the globe. This second revised and enlarged edition highlights selective concepts of tropical pediatrics that are of importance to clinicians caring for children and adolescents. It is dedicated to clinicians around the world who care for these precious patients growing up in remote corners of globe. It should always be remembered that sometimes these issues become important to developed corners of the world as well.

This book is designed to provide primary care clinicians with a practical guide to the significant problems that increasingly affect the emotional health of children and adolescents. This book is written in clear, concise language by experts in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, neurodevelopmental pediatrics, adolescent medicine, psychology, and child/adolescent psychiatry. We present a comprehensive coverage of normal and pathological behaviors based on principles of child and adolescent development. The editors are nationally and internationally known experts and educators in the normal and abnormal behavior of children and youth. With the information available in this book, clinicians who care for children and adolescents will be better equipped to meet the complex needs of this fascinating and ever-changing population.

Intellectual disability is characterized by deficits in cognitive and adaptive abilities that initially manifest before 18 years of age. The prevalence of intellectual disability is estimated to be between 1 and 3 out of every 100 individuals in the general population. Most individuals have mild intellectual disability and the cause is generally not identified. A small percentage of individuals have severe deficits and will need lifetime supports. The diagnosis of intellectual disability requires formal psychometric testing to assess the intelligence quotient and adaptive functioning. The management of individuals who have intellectual disability is based on providing general medical care, treatment of specific behavioral symptoms, early intervention, special education, and variable degrees of community based supports. In this book we present some current issues in intellectual and developmental disability.

Tropical medicine is a branch of medicine focusing on disorders usually found in subtropical and tropical areas of the world. Tropical pediatrics is a branch of tropical medicine focusing on children in these areas. The current process of global warming and the widespread issue of international travel are bringing these conditions to many places of the globe. This book highlights selective concepts of tropical pediatrics that are of importance to clinicians caring for children and adolescents.

The Guest Editors have assembled expert authors to cover the full clinical span of the topic autism and autism spectrum disorders. An historical perspective of the evolution of the disorder opens the issue. Next, comprehensive coverage is given to an article on the definitions, diagnostic criteria, and clinical features of autism spectrum disorders. Other articles in the issue cover the relevant topics like epidemiology, genetic syndromes and genetic testing, early diagnosis and diagnostic evaluation, and neuroimaging and neurochemistry of autism. Authors also present information on tsocial skills for the autistic child, behavioral interventions, and transitioning the autistic child into adulthood, to name a few. This issue should be very well received by pediatricians.