Research Article: State of the Evidence for Use of Psychotropic Medications in School-Age Youth
Abstract:
Psychotropic medications are commonly prescribed to school-aged youth for the management of mental health concerns. This paper describes the current state of evidence for psychotropic medications in school-aged youth. More specifically, the following sections summarize relevant medication research trials and practice parameters pertaining to psychotropic medication prescribing as well as the specific medications indicated for a range of commonly presenting disorders and symptom clusters in school-aged youth. For each of these disorders and symptom clusters, key findings pertaining to the current state of science and practice are highlighted for the purpose of offering patients, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers with nuanced considerations for the role of psychopharmacology within the context of a larger “whole-child” approach to care that relies on the collaboration of providers and services across systems of care to promote optimal child and family health and wellness. The paper concludes with a discussion about supporting the use of medication treatments in schools, including considerations for ensuring effective family-school-health system collaboration to best meet youth mental health needs.
Introduction:
Childhood mental health problems are prevalent and associated with an increased risk of difficulties at home, school problems, and mental health and health conditions in adulthood. Roughly 20% of youth living in the United States (U.S.) have an identified mental health condition in a given year, while 40% will meet the criteria by age 18 [1]. Youth in families living below 100% of the federal poverty level have an even higher likelihood of experiencing a mental health condition [2]. Among U.S. children and…
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