JPHC CE: Use of Atypical Antipsychotics in Pediatric Populations

1.75 NAPNAP contact hour of which 1.75 contain pharmacology content (Rx). This continuing education activity is offered free to NAPNAP Members. For nonmembers, this continuing education activity rate is $10. 

Atypical antipsychotic medications have served as mainstays in the treatment of pediatric-onset bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and are typically prescribed by psychiatric providers. These medications also have an important role in treating specific behaviors associated with other pediatric diagnoses, including autism spec-trum disorder, disruptive behavior disorders, and tic disorders.  Nurse practitioners play an important role in initiating treatment in children who require these drugs and monitoring those who are already prescribed these medications by psychiatric professionals. The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomic implications for aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone are described. This article reviews appropriate approaches to prescribing,  monitoring for efficacy and side effects, and considerations when tapering or discontinuing antipsychotic medications.J pediatr Health Care. (2025) xx, 1−11.

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Copyright © 2025 by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

This continuing education activity is administered by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) as an Agency providing continuing education credit. Individuals who complete this program and earn a 70% or higher score on the post test will be awarded 1.75 NAPNAP contact hour of which 1.75 contain pharmacology content (Rx).

Keywords: Antipsychotic agents, psychopharmacology, pediatrics, autism spectrum disorder, disruptive behavior

Target Audience

Pediatric-focused advanced practice registered nurses

Learning Objectives

1. Explain the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and indications for use of atypical (second generation) antipsychotics in pediatric populations.
2. Recommend appropriate approaches to prescribing atypical antipsychotic medications in the pediatric population.
3. Discuss important considerations for monitoring efficacy and side effects in youth taking atypical antipsychotic medications.

 

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.75 Contact hours
Course opens: 
05/01/2025
Course expires: 
06/30/2027
Cost:
$10.00
Rating: 
0

Beth Heuer, DNP, APRN-CNP, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, Clinical Professor, The Ohio State University College
of Nursing, Columbus, OH

Teresa Whited, DNP, APRN-CNP, CPNP-PC, Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Accreditation; Associate Professor, University of Arkansas for
Medical Sciences, College of Nursing, Little Rock, AR

Disclosure: 
The authors declare there is nothing to disclose

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
There are no conflicts of interest.

Correspondence:
Beth Heuer, DNP, APRN-CNP,CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP
314 Newton Hall
295W. 10th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
e-mail: [email protected].

 

 

Available Credit

  • 1.75 Contact hours

Price

Cost:
$10.00
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