Product Description:
According to Cassidy and Jellinek (1998), the most common psychiatric disorders encountered by pediatricians are Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Substance-Use Disorders, Conduct Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Learning Disorders. 80% of children with diagnosable behavioral or emotional problems are not identified by their pediatricians and even fewer receive mental health services (Costello9, 1986). Further diagnosis and treatment of severe behavior problems may be infrequent among physicians (Cassidy& Jellinek, 1998). However, research indicates that those primary care providers who are confident with diagnosing mental health disorders, are more likely to treat with medications.
Further, primary physicians and pediatricians felt highly comfortable prescribing stimulants used in treating ADHD as well as prescribing SSRIs. However, they felt overall uncomfortable in prescribing all other classes of psychopharmacological agents to children. Current research on diagnosis of mental health disorders by pediatricians and prescribing practices of psychotropic medications to children and adolescents is limited and originates primarily from the early 19890s. Hence, examining the actual practice of diagnosis, treatment, and referral is needed to address the growing number of behavioral health disorders seen in pediatric; practices.
The purpose of the study is to examine the patterns and frequency of prescription of psychotropic medications to children and adolescents in medical practices in Nebraska, both urban and rural. Specifically, the aim of the current study is to document practice in prescribing psychotropic medication, diagnosis and treatment of mental health concerns, and also to identify possible areas of concern to inform training, practice, and research.
