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Routine investigations in paediatric psychopharmacology

Abstract Objectives: This study examines (1) what are the minimum accepted baseline investigations recommended in the literature prior to prescribing in child psychiatry and (2) whether these investigations are routinely performed. Method: Medical literature on prescribing in child and adolescent psychiatry was reviewed, and a list of minimum baseline investigations recommended in the literature was established. A postal survey was performed to establish what current clinical practice is among child and adolescent psychiatrists. Current practice was compared with the recommendations in the literature. Results: There are nine minimum accepted baseline investigations which are consistently recommended in the literature on child psychiatry. Six investigations are routinely performed by over 75% of respondents. However only 30% (n = 16) reported that they ‘always’ carried out eight or more of the nine recommended minimum investigations. Conclusions: A consensus statement is necessary, providing a list of recommended investigations prior to prescribing in child and adolescent psychiatry. Continuing medical education can then highlight the importance of these investigations.