The Science and Ethics of Antipsychotic Use in Children reviews the latest findings for the
safety and efficacy of the rapidly rising incidence of antipsychotic use in children and
examines tensions that are created by off-label use both in clinical psychiatric practice and
research. In the past ten years the number of antipsychotics prescribed to children with
psychiatric disorders has skyrocketed. Despite this rapid growth most medications have been
inadequately studied in children for safety or efficacy and many have serious adverse health.
Measures are needed to ensure that the health and safety of children are being protected and
debates have emerged over whether or not clinical trials in this population should be
conducted.
