The Brief Florida's new guidance recommends against prescribing psychotropic medications for most children with conditions including depression, anxiety and ADHD, urging doctors to focus first on therapy, behavior supports and underlying causes. Florida Department of Health officials issued new guidance encouraging doctors to prioritize therapy and lifestyle changes over psychiatric prescriptions for children. Florida child therapy guidanceWhat we know:The Florida Department of Health released guidance advising healthcare providers to move away from immediately prescribing psychiatric medications to children ages 5 through 17. State health officials recommend comprehensive medical and behavioral evaluations before medication is considered. State prescription trendsBy the numbers:Agency for Health Care Administration official Brian Meyer reported that child psychiatric prescriptions have already been falling in Florida.