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Marquis S, Marquis NE, Lunsky Y, McGrail KM, Baumbusch J. A retrospective cohort study of prescription drug use among youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities in British Columbia. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2024. [PMID: 38773818 DOI: 10.1111/jir.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) are known to have high rates of prescription drug use, particularly for psychotropic medications. This is of concern due to the many side effects associated with these medications and because of the risks of polypharmacy. In this paper we compare the most commonly dispensed drugs and all psychotropic medications for youth with IDD compared with youth without IDD. METHODS Using population-level administrative health data over a 10-year period, this study examined medications dispensed to youth with an IDD aged 15-24 years compared with youth without an IDD. The most common medications dispensed and the number of youth they were dispensed to were determined. As well a wide variety of psychotropic medications were examined. RESULTS There were a total of 20 591 youth with IDD and 1 293 791 youth without IDD identified. Youth with IDD had higher odds of being dispensed pain medications, amoxicillin, salbutamol, levothyroxine and all the psychotropic medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, anti-adrenergic agents, mood stabilisers and stimulants). For youth with IDD, 6558 (31.85%) were dispensed two or more different psychotropic medications within a year, compared with 75 963 (5.87%) of youth without IDD. DISCUSSION Compared to youth without IDD, youth with IDD had significantly higher odds of being dispensed most of the prescription medications studied, including all of the psychotropic medications. They were also twice as likely to be dispensed two or more medications from different classes of psychotropic drugs within the same year. These findings have important implications for the health of people with IDD and for their health care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Marquis
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Y Lunsky
- Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - K M McGrail
- Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J Baumbusch
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Baird A, Candy B, Flouri E, Tyler N, Hassiotis A. The Association between Physical Environment and Externalising Problems in Typically Developing and Neurodiverse Children and Young People: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2549. [PMID: 36767909 PMCID: PMC9916018 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The physical environment is of critical importance to child development. Understanding how exposure to physical environmental domains such as greenspace, urbanicity, air pollution or noise affects aggressive behaviours in typical and neurodiverse children is of particular importance given the significant long-term impact of those problems. In this narrative review, we investigated the evidence for domains of the physical environment that may ameliorate or contribute to the display of aggressive behaviours. We have considered a broad range of study designs that include typically developing and neurodiverse children and young people aged 0-18 years. We used the GRADE system to appraise the evidence. Searches were performed in eight databases in July 2020 and updated in June 2022. Additional articles were further identified by hand-searching reference lists of included papers. The protocol for the review was preregistered with PROSPERO. Results: We retrieved 7174 studies of which 67 are included in this review. The studies reported on green space, environmental noise and music, air pollution, meteorological effects, spatial density, urban or rural setting, and interior home elements (e.g., damp/sensory aspects/colour). They all used well validated parent and child reported measures of aggressive behaviour. Most of the studies were rated as having low or unclear risk of bias. As expected, noise, air pollution, urbanicity, spatial density, colour and humidity appeared to increase the display of aggressive behaviours. There was a dearth of studies on the role of the physical environment in neurodiverse children. The studies were heterogeneous and measured a range of aggressive behaviours from symptoms to full syndromes. Greenspace exposure was the most common domain studied but certainty of evidence for the association between environmental exposures and aggression problems in the child or young person was low across all domains. We found a large knowledge gap in the literature concerning neurodiverse children, which suggests that future studies should focus on these children, who are also more likely to experience adverse early life experiences including living in more deprived environments as well as being highly vulnerable to the onset of mental ill health. Such research should also aim to dis-aggregate the underlying aetiological mechanisms for environmental influences on aggression, the results of which may point to pathways for public health interventions and policy development to address inequities that can be relevant to ill health in neurodiverse young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alister Baird
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7BN, UK
| | - Bridget Candy
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7BN, UK
| | - Eirini Flouri
- Institute of Education, Psychology and Human Development, University College London, London WC1H 0AL, UK
| | - Nick Tyler
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Science, University College London, London WC1E 6DE, UK
| | - Angela Hassiotis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7BN, UK
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Cosgrove L, D'Ambrozio G, Herrawi F, Freeman M, Shaughnessy A. Why psychiatry needs an honest dose of gentle medicine. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1167910. [PMID: 37151963 PMCID: PMC10160434 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1167910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry's influence on psychiatric research and practice has been profound and has resulted in exaggerated claims of the effectiveness of psychotropic medications and an under-reporting of harms. After the regulatory approval of fluoxetine, the pharmaceutical industry began promoting (and continues to promote) a chemical imbalance theory of emotional distress. In the last decade, there has been an increased awareness about the limits of this theory and the risks of psychotropic medications. Nonetheless, the medicalization of distress, the sedimented belief in "magic bullets," and the push to "scale up" mental health treatment have contributed to the meteoric rise in the prescription of psychiatric drugs and of polypharmacy. A major premise of this paper is that the conceptual framework of medical nihilism can help researchers and clinicians understand and address the harms incurred by inflated claims of the efficacy of psychotropic medications. We propose that psychiatry, and the mental health field more generally, adopt a model of 'gentle medicine' with regard to both the diagnosis of and treatment for mental health conditions and focus greater attention on the upstream causes of distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Cosgrove
- Department of Counseling and School Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Lisa Cosgrove,
| | - Gianna D'Ambrozio
- Department of Counseling and School Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Farahdeba Herrawi
- Department of Counseling and School Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Moira Freeman
- Department of Counseling and School Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, United States
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Laermans P, Morisse F, Lombardi M, Gérard S, Vandevelde S, de Kuijper G, Audenaert K, Claes C. Aligning quality of life and guidelines for off-label psychotropic drugs in adults with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 69:398-413. [PMID: 37213586 PMCID: PMC10197992 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2023.2195721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Adults with intellectual disabilities have an increased vulnerability to mental health problems and challenging behaviour. In addition to psychotherapeutic or psychoeducational methods, off-label pharmacotherapy, is a commonly used treatment modality. Objective The aim of this study was to establish evidence-based guideline recommendations for the responsible prescription of off-label psychotropic drugs, in relation to Quality of Life (QoL). Method A list of guidelines was selected, and principles were established based on international literature, guideline review and expert evaluation. The Delphi method was used to achieve consensus about guideline recommendations among a 58-member international multidisciplinary expert Delphi panel. Thirty-three statements were rated on a 5-point Likert-scale, ranging from totally disagree to totally agree, in consecutive Delphi rounds. When at least 70% of the participants agreed (score equal or higher than 4), a statement was accepted . Statements without a consensus were adjusted between consecutive Delphi rounds based on feedback from the Delphi panel. Results Consensus was reached on 4 general:the importance of non-pharmaceutical treatments, comprehensive diagnostics and multidisciplinary treatment. Consensus was reached in 4 rounds on 29 statements. No consensus was reached on 4 statements concerning: freedom-restricting measures, the treatment plan, the evaluation of the treatment plan, and the informed consent. Conclusion The study led to recommendations and principles for the responsible prescription - aligned with the QoL perspective - of off-label psychotropic drugs for adults with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour. Extensive discussion is needed regarding the issues on which there was no consensus to furthering the ongoing development of this guideline.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Laermans
- EQUALITY//ResearchCollective, University College Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence to: Pauline Laermans, EQUALITY//ResearchCollective, University College Ghent.
| | - F. Morisse
- Department of Special Needs Education, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M. Lombardi
- EQUALITY//ResearchCollective, University College Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S. Gérard
- Superior Health Council, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S. Vandevelde
- Department of Special Needs Education, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - G. de Kuijper
- Centre for Intellectual Disabilities & Mental Health, Mental Healthcare Drenthe, the Netherlands
| | - K. Audenaert
- Department of Psychiatry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - C. Claes
- EQUALITY//ResearchCollective, University College Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
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Torelli JN, Lloyd BP, Pollack MS. A Systematic Review of Direct Assessments to Evaluate Psychotropic Medication Effects for Children With Disabilities. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 127:103-124. [PMID: 35180780 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-127.2.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate effects of psychotropic medication for children with disabilities, direct assessments may offer a valuable supplement to caregiver reports. Relative to indirect assessment, direct measures of behavior can increase objectivity and sensitivity, and some have potential to isolate distinct behavioral and learning processes. We conducted a systematic, narrative literature review to identify and describe the types and qualities of direct assessment methods that have been used to evaluate effects of non-stimulant psychotropic medication for children with disabilities. We identified 50 studies and 78 direct assessments, which we organized and described using seven assessment categories. Only one study met all three direct assessment quality indicators. We use our descriptive results to highlight research trends and gaps that warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Torelli
- Jessica N. Torelli, Blair P. Lloyd, and Marney S. Pollack, Peabody College at Vanderbilt University
| | - Blair P Lloyd
- Jessica N. Torelli, Blair P. Lloyd, and Marney S. Pollack, Peabody College at Vanderbilt University
| | - Marney S Pollack
- Jessica N. Torelli, Blair P. Lloyd, and Marney S. Pollack, Peabody College at Vanderbilt University
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Suk JW, Soltis-Vaughan B, Mahato K, Hwang S. Practical and Ethical Issues in Pediatric Psychopharmacology: Introductory Considerations. Psychiatr Ann 2021. [DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20210913-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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McLaren JL, Lichtenstein JD, Metcalfe JD, Charlot LR, Drake RE, Beasley JB. Psychotropic Use Among Youths With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Psychiatr Serv 2021; 72:988-997. [PMID: 33882691 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201900465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors examined the prevalence and correlates of psychotropic medication prescribing among outpatient youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities. METHODS The authors reviewed cross-sectional data on medications for 1,333 youths (ages 5-21 years) with intellectual and developmental disabilities who were referred to a community-based mental health crisis service. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to describe the study group and to identify correlates of psychotropic polypharmacy, antipsychotic use, and anticonvulsant use in the absence of a seizure disorder. RESULTS Most youths were taking psychotropic medications (N=1,139, 86%), often three or more medications (N=733, 55%) from two or more drug classes (N=919, 69%). Most youths received antipsychotics (N=863, 65%), and a third (N=432, 32%) were taking anticonvulsants in the absence of a seizure disorder. Greater severity (number of psychiatric diagnoses and recent psychiatric hospitalization), older age, and living in a group home were significantly correlated with these practices. CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy, antipsychotic use, and anticonvulsant use in the absence of seizure disorders were common among youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities referred to the crisis service. Older age, number of psychiatric diagnoses, living in a group home, and psychiatric hospitalization correlate with these prescribing practices. These elevated prescribing rates in a very vulnerable population warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L McLaren
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Lebanon Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Metcalfe, Drake); Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester (Charlot); Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire Institute on Disabilities, Concord (McLaren, Beasley)
| | - Jonathan D Lichtenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Lebanon Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Metcalfe, Drake); Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester (Charlot); Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire Institute on Disabilities, Concord (McLaren, Beasley)
| | - Justin D Metcalfe
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Lebanon Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Metcalfe, Drake); Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester (Charlot); Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire Institute on Disabilities, Concord (McLaren, Beasley)
| | - Lauren R Charlot
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Lebanon Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Metcalfe, Drake); Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester (Charlot); Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire Institute on Disabilities, Concord (McLaren, Beasley)
| | - Robert E Drake
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Lebanon Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Metcalfe, Drake); Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester (Charlot); Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire Institute on Disabilities, Concord (McLaren, Beasley)
| | - Joan B Beasley
- Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire (McLaren, Lichtenstein); Lebanon Westat, Lebanon, New Hampshire (Metcalfe, Drake); Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester (Charlot); Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire Institute on Disabilities, Concord (McLaren, Beasley)
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Kalb LG, Beasley JB, Caoili A, McLaren JL, Barnhill J. Predictors of Mental Health Crises Among Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Enrolled in the START Program. Psychiatr Serv 2021; 72:273-280. [PMID: 33334153 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities disproportionately use emergency psychiatric services compared with their neurotypical peers, suggesting that such individuals and their supports are at increased risk for crisis events. This prospective study examined the timing, outcomes, and predictors of mental health crises for this population. METHODS The data came from Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment (START), a national model that provides mental health crisis services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States. The study included 1,188 individuals from four U.S. regions enrolled between 2018 and 2019. The outcome was urgent crisis contacts with the START program. Baseline and clinical predictors were examined with multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS More than a quarter had at least one crisis contact, and 9% had three or more. Contacts increased within the initial 3 months of START enrollment, followed by a steep drop-off thereafter; few contacts happened after 1 year. Almost 45% of the contacts occurred after hours, and 30% involved police. Clinical factors predicted crisis contact most robustly, followed by lack of occupational supports. After START crisis intervention, 73% of individuals remained in their primary setting. CONCLUSIONS For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs, crisis stabilization resources are needed, including after hours. Results clearly identify times and risk factors for mental health crisis contacts, including frequent involvement with emergency responders. Importantly, gainful employment conveyed benefits for community stabilization. Findings may be leveraged to develop effective mental health crisis intervention services and supports for this underserved group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luther G Kalb
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, and Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore (Kalb); Institute on Disability and National Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham (Beasley, Caoili); Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Hanover, New Hampshire (McLaren); Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Barnhill)
| | - Joan B Beasley
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, and Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore (Kalb); Institute on Disability and National Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham (Beasley, Caoili); Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Hanover, New Hampshire (McLaren); Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Barnhill)
| | - Andrea Caoili
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, and Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore (Kalb); Institute on Disability and National Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham (Beasley, Caoili); Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Hanover, New Hampshire (McLaren); Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Barnhill)
| | - Jennifer L McLaren
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, and Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore (Kalb); Institute on Disability and National Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham (Beasley, Caoili); Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Hanover, New Hampshire (McLaren); Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Barnhill)
| | - Jarrett Barnhill
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, and Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore (Kalb); Institute on Disability and National Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham (Beasley, Caoili); Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Hanover, New Hampshire (McLaren); Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (Barnhill)
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Edelsohn GA, Eren K, Parthasarathy M, Ryan ND, Herschell A. Inter-class Concomitant Pharmacotherapy in Medicaid-Insured Youth Receiving Psychiatric Residential Treatment. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:658283. [PMID: 34093273 PMCID: PMC8173180 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.658283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Concomitant pharmacotherapy has become increasingly common in the treatment of youth, including in psychiatric residential treatment facilities (PRTF) despite limited efficacy and safety data. Research is reported on the prevalence of any class and interclass concomitant pharmacotherapy, specific class combinations of psychotropics, and changes in number of medications from admission to discharge for Medicaid insured youth treated in PRTFs in one mid-Atlantic state. Methods: Medicaid administrative claims data were examined for youth under age 18 years who were discharged from one of 21 PRTFs during calendar year 2019. Descriptive statistics were calculated to examine patterns of service utilization 90 days prior to admission. The rates of concomitant psychotropic use at admission were compared to the rates at discharge. Logistic regression models were used to examine covariates associated with discharging on 4 or more medications. Results: Fifty-four % of youth were admitted on either two or three psychotropics, while 25% were admitted on four or more psychotropics. The proportion of youth admitting and discharging on 2 or 3 medications was stable. There was a 27% increase in number of youth discharging on 4 medications with a 24% decrease in those on a 5- drug regimen. Only the number of medications prescribed at admission was found to be significant (p < 0.001), with more medications at admission contributing to probability of discharging on 4 or more medications. Conclusions: Concomitant pharmacotherapy is common in PRTFs. These findings support the practice of deprescribing and underscore the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail A Edelsohn
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Insurance Services Division, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kemal Eren
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Insurance Services Division, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Meghna Parthasarathy
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Insurance Services Division, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Neal D Ryan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Amy Herschell
- Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Insurance Services Division, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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