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Understanding Chronic Aggression and Its Treatment in Children and Adolescents

  • Child and Adolescent Disorders (TD Benton, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Psychiatry Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

Youth aggression is common and has a significant burden on individuals, families, and society. However, its treatment is often a challenge for clinicians. Thus, this review will examine the current understanding of youth aggression, conceptualize aggression as a symptom rather than its own disorder, and provide an overview of treatment strategies.

Recent findings

Youth aggression is associated with complex genetic, neurobiological, and environmental risks. Prevention strategies are of the utmost importance for at-risk families and youth. Psychosocial interventions are the first line treatment. But if not fully effective, then pharmacologic interventions—including psychostimulants, alpha-2 agonists, atomoxetine, and risperidone—have shown benefits. Other medications, such as SSRIs, can be useful in certain scenarios.

Summary

It is important to conceptualize youth aggression as being a trans-diagnostic symptom in psychopathology. Determining the underlying cause of aggression will help to guide treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Selena R. Magalotti, Mandy Neudecker, Solomon G. Zaraa & Molly K. McVoy

  2. Case Western University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Molly K. McVoy

  3. W. O. Walker Building, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 10524 Euclid Ave, Suite 1155A, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Molly K. McVoy

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  1. Selena R. Magalotti
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Magalotti, S.R., Neudecker, M., Zaraa, S.G. et al. Understanding Chronic Aggression and Its Treatment in Children and Adolescents. Curr Psychiatry Rep 21, 123 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-019-1105-1

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