Abstract
IntroductionThere are increasing concerns regarding long-term psychotropic polypharmacy prescribed for foster care youth 3.5 to 5 times more often than in at-home youth (Kreider et al., 2014). Polypharmacy risks include weight gain, glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes. (De Hert et al., 2011). In view of these risks, novel interventions are essential to safeguard foster care youth from overmedication.ObjectivesTo present guidelines for identification and management of polypharmacy in foster care youth.AimsTo demonstrate a novel intervention to monitor and diminish polypharmacy and enhance psychiatric care in foster care children.MethodsPolypharmacy is identified using LA County Juvenile Court Mental Health Service (JCMHS) Psychotropic Parameters* to review medication consent forms from treating psychiatrists. Polypharmacy triggers an in-person JCHMS consultation. *(Parameters 3.9 for JCMHS PMAF Review, Revised May 2015).JCMHS Psychotropic Parameters (summary):– age 0–5 years:– 2 or > psychotropic medications,– Any antipsychotic (*except Risperidone in ASD);– age 6–8 years:– 3 or > psychotropic medications;– age 9–17 years:– 4 or > psychotropic medications;– All age youth:– 2 or > psychotropic medications in the same class (antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants, mood stabilizers, alpha agonists).Psychotropic medication doses in excess of recommended (*LA County Department of Mental Health Parameters 3.8 for use of Psychotropic Medications for Children and Adolescents).ResultsApproximately 25% of JCMHS annual psychiatric consultations were initiated by JCMHS parameters for polypharmacy. Corresponding consultations included education and recommendations discussed with treating psychiatrists regarding polypharmacy and optimal psychiatric management.ConclusionsJCMHS Psychotropic Parameters is a useful tool to identify polypharmacy and enhance psychiatric care of foster care youth.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
