Child Welfare Youth —Psychotropic Use and Implications

To the Editor The study by Radel et al on psychotropic medications and polypharmacy among children and adolescents in the US child welfare system warrants discussion. The results reiterate prevailing concerns regarding high prescription rates in this vulnerable population. The notable discrepancy, with 26.25% of youths in the child welfare system prescribed psychotropic medication compared to 9.06% of Medicaid-enrolled youths, underscores a concern in prescription practices. The 13.27% experiencing psychotropic polypharmacy emphasizes a potential overreliance on pharmacologic interventions.
Source: JAMA Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research