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Sound Off on Psych MedsAdvocating for prudent medication use

In the Texas Medicaid program there was a 494% increase in the rate of youth receiving atypical antipsychotics between 1996-2000, with a 609% increase in children 5 to 9 years.

Investigators examined antipsychotic use among children and adolescents in the Texas Medicaid program examining prescription claims data during a 5 year period – 1996 to 2000. During this time, atypical antipsychotic use increased 494% in youth. The largest increases were seen in children 5 to 9 years old (609%).

Percent Increase in Atypical Antipsychotic Use in Texas Medicaid by Age from 1996-2000

Age
Increase
<2 172%
2-4  556%
5-9  609%
10-14  490%
15-19 275%

Tags:

Antipsychotic medication, Children’s Mental Health, Medicaid

Citation:

Patel NC, Sanchez RJ, Johnsrud MT, Crismon ML. Trends in antipsychotic use in a Texas Medicaid population of children and adolescents: 1996 to 2000. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2002; 12(3):221-229.