During the last two decades, there has been a continuous increase in the use of atypical or second generation antipsychotics in the pediatric population and a range of side effects reported from these medications. In Arkansas a study looking at the pediatric Medicaid population found that there was a substantial increase from 2000 to 2005 in the number of second-generation antipsychotics prescribed.
Part of the controversy with these medications has been the lack of research in regards to long term outcomes and poor awareness of possible medical complications and the underuse of use of non-pharmacological interventions as a modality of treatment for behavior problems including family therapy.
DHS has asked AFMC to make the safe use of antipsychotics in children a quality improvement target by promoting a new PA requirement process for these drugs for children and adolescents under 18 years old. An informed consent and biological monitoring will be required for new and established patients using these drugs.
This new process creates an opportunity for parents and physicians to work together in managing mental health disorders. AFMC is supportive of best practices to improve health outcomes and will continue to work to help improve child health statewide.
To find out more, contact our physician office quality improvement team.