Over-the-Counter Medications and Nutritional Supplements in Child Psychiatry

To identify factors associated with over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements studied for the treatment of mental disorders in children and adolescents, we searched the MEDLINE database for studies published between January 1, 2005, and June 1, 2019, for topics related to nutritional supplements and pediatric mental disorders. We indicate our assignment of a score using the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force evidence review criteria and discuss several of the more promising treatments. A possible mechanism of action for nutritional supplements for mental disorders is their potentially beneficial effect on epigenetic and metabolic processes, which increasingly demonstrate a significant role in the gene-by-environment interactions that are associated with the development of mental disorders. The agents with a rationale for use in mental disorders in children and adolescents and studies suggesting efficacy and showing safety are melatonin, omega-3, NAC, and vitamin D. Many of the identified studies focused on ASD, which are the preponderance of the studies reported in this chapter.