Mixed Methods Analysis of Youth Attitudes and Self-efficacy regarding Psychotropic Medication in Residential Treatment

Abstract

ABSTRACT Many youth in residential treatment are being prescribed one or more psychotropic medications with uncertain outcomes regarding the effectiveness of this treatment, especially due to issues with poor medication adherence. Having positive attitudes about psychotropic medications, proper psychoeducation, and ability to discuss these aspects with their mental health providers are all factors associated with better adherence and more positive outcomes overall. This cross-sectional study examines differences in attitudes about medications and self-efficacy to take medications through a mixed model approach using survey data, electronic health record files, and focus groups with a sample of youth in residential treatment (N = 127). Qualitative findings indicate that youth have an overall negative subjective experience with medications, whereas quantitative results found youth who are prescribed medications have significantly more positive attitudes than those who are not prescribed medications. In examining only youth who were currently prescribed psychotropic medication, having more positive attitudes about medications is associated with higher self-efficacy in taking medication, but attitudes, self-efficacy, and number of prescribed medications did not predict their adherence. Results have implications for residential providers and physicians to better support youth around issues relating to their psychotropic medications as well as developing psychoeducational materials.