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Racial/ethnic differences in the use of psychotropic medication in high-risk children and adolescents
Laurel K Leslie1, Jill Weckerly, John Landsverk
1Research Scientist, Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, 3020 Children's Way MC 5033, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. lleslie@casrc.org
Insights
Racial and ethnic disparities exist in psychotropic medication use among children in public services. Findings highlight the need to address these differences in clinical practice for equitable youth mental healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Health Services Research
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Psychotropic medication is frequently prescribed for youth in public service sectors.
- Understanding racial and ethnic variations in medication use is crucial for equitable care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate psychotropic medication use rates in youth within public service sectors.
- To examine how race/ethnicity influences these medication use rates.
Main Methods:
- Logistic regression models analyzed caregiver-reported psychotropic medication use.
- Data from a random stratified sample of 1,342 children in public services were used.
- The study focused on data from the second half of fiscal year 1996-97.
Main Results:
- Race/ethnicity was a significant predictor of psychotropic medication use.
- African-American and Latino children had lower reported past-year use compared to white children.
- Latino children and those in the 'other' racial/ethnic category showed lower reported lifetime use.
Conclusions:
- Significant racial/ethnic differences in psychotropic medication use are evident in public service sectors.
- These disparities necessitate careful consideration in clinical diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Addressing these differences is vital for ensuring equitable mental health services for all children.
Objectives:
To investigate rates of psychotropic medication use by youths served in public service sectors as a function of race/ethnicity.
Method:
Logistic regression models were used to examine racial/ethnic differences in caregiver report of psychotropic medication use for a random stratified sample of 1,342 children who were served in public service sectors during the second half of fiscal year 1996-97.
Results:
Race/ethnicity predicted caregiver report of past-year and lifetime psychotropic medication use when all other factors were held constant. Specifically, caregivers of African-American and Latino children were less likely to report past-year use compared to white children; caregivers of Latino children and "others" were less likely to report lifetime use. Additional factors predictive of medication use in regression models included younger age, male gender, higher household income, insurance type, active to mental health sector at time of enumeration into the study, impairment and diagnosis of mood, and anxiety or attentional disorder.
Conclusions:
Racial/ethnic differences in use of psychotropic medication occur in children served in public service sectors and need to be considered in clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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