Ohio officials to study pediatric use of mental health drugs

The State of Ohio plans to invest $ 1 million over the next three years to study the use of mental health drugs prescribed to foster children and other kids on Medicaid (Source: "State is tackling pills for foster kids," Columbus Dispatch, Sept. 26, 2012). 

According to Dr. Mary Applegate, medical director of Ohio Medicaid, the use of mental health drugs across the nation has increased faster than the rate of mental health diagnoses.  State officials want to know if such over-prescribing is a problem in Ohio. 

Nearly 1 in 4 foster children in Ohio has been prescribed psychiatric drugs.  Such medications can cause serious side effects and health risks if they are not properly used or monitored, and they cost millions to Ohio’s Medicaid program.  

State health officials plan to work with psychiatrists, clinicians and others to evaluate drug usage and identify ways to prevent over-prescribing.  "We'd like to understand that better and make sure we're doing the right thing for those families," Applegate said. 

State officials also plan to develop guidelines for the use of mental health drugs, including informing doctors when multiple medications have been prescribed or when safe dosages have been exceeded. The state also expects to develop strategies for educating caretakers, case workers and others about use of the drugs.