Aspects relationnels impliqués dans l’efficacité des psychotropes chez l’enfant et l’adolescent : modèles théoriques, illustrations cliniques, recommandations

Abstract

Objectives

This article examines how relational aspects contribute to the effectiveness of prescribing psychotropic drugs to children and adolescents. This psychological component is often referred to as the “placebo effect” or “non-specific effects” in clinical research.

Method

This narrative review synthesizes data from epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and experimental psychology regarding the relational factors that influence response levels to psychotropic medications in the pediatric population.

Results

The literature findings have been integrated into a theoretical model inspired by systems theory and developmental psychology. This interactionist model emphasizes the connections between the pre-existing perceptions of medication held by parents and children, and how these perceptions influence their beliefs and attitudes toward medication.

Discussion

Representations of medication are shaped by developmental issues and parental life experiences. These factors can be addressed during consultations to mitigate their effects. The prescriber has a crucial role in acknowledging these representations and assisting in their interpretation. Clinical examples are provided to illustrate how these representations manifest during treatment.

Conclusions

Guidelines for best practices must consider the significance of relational factors at every stage of prescribing psychotropic medications to children and adolescents to optimize their therapeutic effects.