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The use of psychotropic medication for children in foster care

M Lynn Crismon1, Tami Argo

  • 1The University of Texas, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas 78712, USA. crismonl@mail.utexas.edu

Child Welfare
|August 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Psychotropic medication use in foster children requires careful consideration due to their unique stressors. Comprehensive assessments and adherence to diagnostic criteria are essential before prescribing, with informed caregivers monitoring for side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Pediatric Psychopharmacology
  • Child Welfare Research

Background:

  • Foster children face significant stressors impacting mental health.
  • Psychotropic medication is sometimes prescribed for mental health conditions in this population.
  • Understanding the nuances of psychotropic use in foster care is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline best practices for psychotropic medication use in foster children.
  • To emphasize the importance of thorough assessment and diagnosis.
  • To highlight the need for caregiver education regarding medication management.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical guidelines and relevant literature.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to psychotropic medication prescription in foster care.
  • Discussion of assessment protocols and monitoring strategies.

Main Results:

  • Psychotropic medication use in foster children necessitates a careful risk-benefit analysis.
  • Use should be predicated on a formal diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th edition.
  • Caregiver education on administration, side effects, and monitoring is paramount.

Conclusions:

  • Psychotropic medications should be judiciously used for foster children with diagnosed mental disorders.
  • Thorough child and family assessments are prerequisites for initiating pharmacotherapy.
  • Informed caregivers are crucial for safe and effective medication management and monitoring.

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