Diagnosis and medication overload? A nurse review of the psychiatric histories of older youth in treatment foster care

Child Welfare. 2011;90(3):27-43.

Abstract

Prior research has raised concern about the appropriateness of psychotropic medication use and the validity of psychiatric diagnosing for youth in child welfare but has lacked in-depth case information. This study reports results from a psychiatric nurse review conducted with eight youth entering a foster care intervention using case records and multiple key informant interviews. Results revealed extensive histories of unique (nonoverlapping) psychiatric diagnoses (M = 8, range 7-9) and past psychotropic medications (M = 13, range 9-21). The findings highlight the need to improve assessment practices and to create mechanisms that promote greater continuity of psychiatric care.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Drug Utilization / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Foster Home Care*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Mental Disorders / nursing
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Psychiatric Nursing*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*
  • Reproducibility of Results

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs