Tips for Avoiding Polypharmacy in Children and Adolescents With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the Residential School Setting

Abstract

Polypharmacy, or multiple concurrent prescriptions, describes a situation in which an individual is prescribed multiple psychiatric medications simultaneously. While the term does not have a universal definition,1 it would apply to youth taking at least 3-4 prescribed psychiatric medications. Children and teens who are admitted to residential care facilities often arrive with multiple psychiatric medications due to a higher severity of symptoms and lack of response to previous treatments. Many have already tried outpatient treatment, individualized education programs, hospitalizations, partial hospitalizations, special school placements, or group homes. Psychiatrists working with these youth are often looking for alternative strategies to achieve the desired treatment goals.