Avoidance of Psychotropic Pharmacotherapy in Children age 5-17: Guidance Statement

 The Florida Department of Health cautions health care providers in prescribing psychotropic medications to children aged 5-17 years. 

Mental health challenges in children and adolescents affect immediate and long-term physical health, chronic disease, health risk behaviors, education, social interactions, and employment. Common mental health disorders among children include anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and behavioral disorders. 

According to the National Health Interview Survey (2021): 

• 14.9% of children aged 5-17 years reported having mental health treatment in the past 12 months 

• 8% of children aged 5-17 years reported taking medication as part of their mental health treatment in the past 12 months 

• 11.5% of children aged 5-17 years reported receiving therapy/counseling as part of their mental health treatment in the past 12 months 

Research on psychotropic medication prescriptions in children younger than 18 by provider type found that over half were prescribed by general practitioners (42.9%), nurse practitioners/physician assistants (12.2%), or other medical doctors (7.2%) (Hughes, 2024).

Concerning trends in the prescription of psychotropic drugs necessitate a clear process for clinically appropriate medication administration, monitoring, and oversight. Many psychotropic medications do not have FDA-approved labeling for children. 

The long-term adverse effects of psychotropic medication use in children are not well understood (Anderson, 2004). Children often do not receive efficient evaluations of environmental stressors or undergo behavioral therapy prior to beginning pharmacotherapy (AACAP, 2017).

https://www.floridahealth.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/GUIDANCE-Avoidance_of_Psychotropic_Pharmacotherapy_in_Children.pdf