Psychopharmacologic treatment in juvenile offenders

Juvenile offenders face an array of psychiatric problems that can be consequent to their incarceration or detention and also may contribute to the factors that result in juvenile detention. Prompt assessment and evaluation by trained professionals is an essential component to providing care for juvenile offenders [69]. Psychopharmacologic interventions hold some promise for improving the lives of young offenders and also have the potential to help reduce recidivism by enabling young people gain better control of their lives. Nevertheless, all medications have risks, and these risks need to be weighed against the potential benefits in each individual case. Identifying the reasons for using medications and the specific targets for treatment can allow more prudent and better use of pharmacologic interventions. Integrating psychopharmacologic treatment with psychotherapy and family therapy is also a vital component, especially if these interventions are intended to be lasting parts of the treatment plan for the young offender.