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Pediatric psychopharmacology: context, model programs, and considerations for care
Anne E Pidano1, Lisa Honigfeld
1Department of Psychology, University of Hartford, East Hall, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, CT 06117, USA. pidano@hartford.edu
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|July 20, 2012
Summary
Pediatric primary care providers often struggle with prescribing psychotropic medications for children. Comanagement models linking them with mental health experts can improve care for behavioral and emotional disorders.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Behavioral Health
Background:
- One in five US children and adolescents experience behavioral or emotional disorders, with many using psychotropic medications.
- Pediatric primary care providers are crucial in prescribing and managing these medications but face challenges like limited training and confidence.
- Comanagement of behavioral health, including psychopharmacology, by primary care and mental health providers offers a solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on psychotropic medication prescribing patterns in children and adolescents.
- To examine the role and challenges of pediatric primary care providers in prescribing these medications.
- To present models for improving pediatric primary care providers' capacity to manage behavioral health needs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on psychotropic medication prescribing for pediatric populations.
- Description of two statewide comanagement models linking primary care with mental health specialists.
- Analysis of strategies to enhance primary care provider support and collaboration.
Main Results:
- Significant need for psychotropic medication management in pediatric primary care settings.
- Identified challenges in training, confidence, and comfort for primary care providers.
- Demonstrated effectiveness of comanagement models in supporting primary care providers.
Conclusions:
- Comanagement models are effective in enhancing pediatric primary care providers' ability to manage behavioral health needs.
- Improved professional training and interdisciplinary collaboration are recommended.
- Enhanced support systems are vital for optimizing psychotropic medication prescribing in children and adolescents.
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