Child Psychopharmacology: How School Psychologists Can Contribute to Effective Outcomes.

Abstract

Psychopharmacological treatments have been used with increased frequency to treat a va- riety of internalizing and externalizing disorders in children. Given the potential impact that medication has on children's school performance, school psychologists should be in- volved in helping physicians and families make effective decisions by assisting with (a) diagnostic decision-making and determining the need for medication; (b) evaluating med- ication effects and determining optimal dosage; and (c) integrating medical, psychosocial, and educational interventions. Potential barriers to the adoption of these roles are dis- cussed as well as clinical, ethical, training, and legal implications.