Dataset Information

Psychotropic Medication Use by Children with Autism Served in Publicly Funded Mental Health Settings.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize patterns of and factors associated with psychotropic medication use in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) receiving publicly funded mental health services.

Method

Data were extracted from 202 children with ASD participating in a cluster randomized trial of An Individualized Mental Health Intervention for ASD conducted in 29 publicly funded mental health programs. Children with ASD were aged 5 to 13 years (M = 9.1 years, SD = 2.4), and were 84.2% male and 59.9% Latinx. Child ASD and cognitive functioning were determined by standardized assessment. Caregivers reported child psychotropic medication use, behavior problems, ASD symptom severity, mental health symptoms, family demographics, and caregiver strain at the baseline.

Results

Nearly half (49.5%) of participants used psychotropic medication(s) within the past 6 months, with stimulants being most commonly reported. Child co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (B = 1.55, p < 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53-2.57), lower cognitive functioning (B = -0.03, p = 0.02; 95% CI: -0.05 to <0.00), and non-Hispanic White ethnicity (vs Hispanic/Latinx; B = 1.02, p = 02; 95% CI: -1.89 to -0.14) were associated with a greater likelihood of using any type of medication. Factors associated with medication use varied by class: stimulants-ADHD, lower ASD symptom severity, and more intensive behavior problems; SSRIs-higher ASD symptom severity; alpha-2 agonists-ADHD, higher ASD symptom severity, lower cognitive functioning, and higher caregiver strain; and antipsychotics-none.

Conclusion

The findings highlight factors associated with psychotropic medication use for a clinically complex population, which may inform community care improvement efforts.

SUBMITTER: Caplan B

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9149143 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun-Jul 01

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Psychotropic Medication Use by Children with Autism Served in Publicly Funded Mental Health Settings.

Caplan Barbara B Chlebowski Colby C May Gina G Baker-Ericzén Mary J MJ Connor Willard W Brookman-Frazee Lauren L

Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP 20211130 5

<h4>Objective</h4>The aim of this study was to characterize patterns of and factors associated with psychotropic medication use in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) receiving publicly funded mental health services.<h4>Method</h4>Data were extracted from 202 children with ASD participating in a cluster randomized trial of An Individualized Mental Health Intervention for ASD conducted in 29 publicly funded mental health programs. Children with ASD were aged 5 to 13 years (M = 9.1 years, ...[more]

PMID: 34855690

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Dataset Information

Psychotropic Medication Use by Children with Autism Served in Publicly Funded Mental Health Settings.

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Psychotropic Medication Use by Children with Autism Served in Publicly Funded Mental Health Settings.

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