Diagnosis and medication overload? A nurse review of the psychiatric histories of older youth in treatment foster care

Sarah Carter Narendorf, Julie Bertram, J. Curtis McMillen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Prior research has raised concern about the appropriateness of psychotropic medication use and the validity of psychiatric diagnosing for youth in child welfare but has lacked in-depth case information. This study reports results from a psychiatric nurse review conducted with eight youth entering a foster care intervention using case records and multiple key informant interviews. Results revealed extensive histories of unique (nonoverlapping) psychiatric diagnoses (M = 8, range 7-9) and past psychotropic medications (M = 13, range 9-21). The findings highlight the need to improve assessment practices and to create mechanisms that promote greater continuity of psychiatric care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)27-43
Number of pages17
JournalChild welfare
Volume90
Issue number3
StatePublished - 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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