Purpose of review: To imagine the future methods and paradigms for evaluating treatments in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP). A historical perspective will be adopted first to explain the origin of methods and designs presently in use. Then an overview of methodological breakthroughs that occur currently will be presented. Recent findings: At the moment, mechanisms of action and randomized controlled trials are the two pillars of treatment evaluation. However, personalized medicine, digital health, big data, health economy, and patient organizations strongly question this state of affairs. As a result, new methodological approaches are arriving in force among which “n-of-1” studies, Bayesian designs, observational studies, and Qualitative researches. Summary: In CAP, psychological treatments are important, there are numerous age groups, and many moderators influencing treatment efficacy. This may be a reason why CAP has not benefited as much as many other medical specialties from Evidence-Based Medicine. Fortunately, the methodological revolution we are going through at the moment is likely to change this. If CAP can get the ball rolling, it will gain a lot in therapeutic efficacy.
The future of evaluation of child and adolescent psychiatric treatments