Pharmacotherapy of Aggression in Children and Adolescents

Here, and a case report ( JAACAP, 46:653-658.)

1) The doses are low. Kids have high rates of metabolism. If high doses do not work, check the blood levels of the neuroleptics before moving to a new one.

2) The use of medications for behavior management that lower blood pressure should preclude the use of restraints, except in a serious emergency. One has to choose, blood pressure lowering medication or restraints, not both. With the adoption of such a policy, the incidence of deaths in restraints without explanation drops.

3) Abilify would be the number one neuroleptic for aggression in people under 30 in the US. People with aggression, aged over 30, do not respond as well to it.