Psychotropic medication use in children with autism in the Kentucky Medicaid population

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2012 Oct;51(10):923-7. doi: 10.1177/0009922812440837. Epub 2012 Apr 5.

Abstract

This study reviewed Kentucky Medicaid claims data for children with autism spectrum disorders to determine psychotropic drug (PTD) use in this population. Children with autism spectrum disorders (ICD-9 code 299.XX) in 3 different age-groups from 2005 to 2008 were identified; PTD use was defined as at least 1 prescription per year. PTD use in all age ranges was higher than in previously reported studies. High PTD use in children between 1 and 5 years is particularly of concern and may reflect perceived inadequacies of comprehensive educational/behavioral services for these children.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Distribution
  • Autonomic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Central Nervous System Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / drug therapy*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Utilization / statistics & numerical data*
  • Drug Utilization / trends
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Kentucky
  • Medicaid
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*
  • United States

Substances

  • Autonomic Agents
  • Central Nervous System Agents
  • Psychotropic Drugs