A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study of Lithium in Hospitalized Aggressive Children and Adolescents With Conduct Disorder

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
AGGRESSION in children and adolescents is common and a major public health concern.1-5 It is generally accepted that aggression in childhood predicts poor prognosis6-11 and serious antisocial behavior in adulthood.7,12 A subgroup of children and adolescents with conduct disorder exhibit aggression that is severe and persistent.13-18 Various treatments, psychopharmacological and behavioral, have been studied in this population,19-21 but there is no generally accepted effective treatment. Of the psychoactive agents, antipsychotics may reduce aggression, but use is limited by sedation and extrapyramidal side effects, including tardive dyskinesia,19,22-24 and controlled studies of stimulants are not in agreement regarding efficacy.25-31