An Update on Publicly Funded Multisite Trials in Pediatric Psychopharmacology

Abstract

In the last 10 years, the National Institute of Mental Health has funded a number of multisite clinical trials in pediatric psychopharmacology. Trials have been completed or are in progress in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other anxiety disorders. Direct comparison between different treatment modalities, such as pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, alone or in combination, has been the focus of a number of these studies, to inform clinicians and families of the relative therapeutic benefits of alternative interventions. This article presents a brief overview of these studies.