Pediatric Psychopharmacology Update 2026

1.00 NAPNAP contact hour of which 1.00 pharmacology content, 1.00 psychopharmacology content and 0.25 controlled substance content. This continuing education activity is offered as part of the Pediatric Pharmacology Bundle. This course is a record presentation for NAPNAP's 2026 National Conference. 

Evidence shows that pediatric primary and specialty care providers are often challenged by the management of pediatric patients with mental and behavioral health conditions. This presentation provides an update on recent advances in pediatric psychopharmacology, focusing on the safe and effective use of psychiatric medications in children and adolescents. With an emphasis on evidence-based treatment strategies, we will review updated guidelines, emerging research on medication use and newly approved medications for use in pediatrics. Special attention will be given to the management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including the use of stimulants, non-stimulant ADHD medications, and SSRIs. We will also address strategies to enhance adherence and monitoring and challenges faced when choosing specific agents, including tips for dealing with the complexities of obtaining prior authorizations.. Participants will gain practical insights to optimize pharmacologic treatment plans within an integrated, patient-centered approach to improve pediatric mental health care.

This archived presentation from our 2026 national conference is available only as part of a bundle of pharmacology courses recorded during our 2026 conference in Pittsburgh. Purchase the 2026 Pediatric Pharmacology Bundle and gain access to all seven courses. To see the complete listing of courses available for selection in the 2026 conference bundle, click here.

The 2026 Pediatric Pharmacology Bundle activity is offered at a member-only discounted rate of $72.50. Non-members may purchase this bundle for $145. Great news - You can join NAPNAP before purchasing to save.

Please note that this program is a recording from a live session from NAPNAP 2026 national conference in Pittsburgh. If you earned CE for this session, this course will be a duplicate.

IMPORTANT: You must be logged in using your NAPNAP username and password to be recognized as a member of NAPNAP. If you are a current member of NAPNAP, and you are being asked to purchase this activity, please contact the NAPNAP national office at (877) 662-7627 to request assistance prior to entering any payment information.    

Participants are forbidden to reproduce, republish, redistribute, or resell this course in any other form. For copyright-related questions, please email your question to: [email protected]

Copyright 2026 © by National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners

Target Audience

Pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses.

Learning Objectives

• Integrate knowledge of the psychopharmacology of medications used to manage pediatric behavioral health conditions into comprehensive patient management plans.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of pediatric psychopharmacologic agents.
• Monitor for significant medication related side effects.
• Utilize medical decision-making to select the optimal agent for each individual’s unique care needs.

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 Contact hours
Course opens: 
07/01/2026
Course expires: 
06/30/2028
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
0

Dawn Garzon, PhD, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-C, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN

There are no disclosures to report

 

 

Available Credit

  • 1.00 Contact hours

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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