Psychotropic Medication Use and Attitudes Among Transition-Age Youth - 2022
Psychotropic medication use among transition-age youth (TAY) in foster care is a topic of substantial debate. While psychotropic medications can help TAY manage psychiatric symptoms, others share concerns that youth are administered these medications without sufficiently addressing the underlying causes of emotional and behavioral distress. Furthermore, youth may experience interruptions in psychotropic medication access upon exiting care. In order to make progress on these important issues, it is essential that practitioners, policymakers, and youth advocates first understand the prevalence of psychotropic medication use among TAY, as well as youth’s attitudes towards this class of medications. This memo summarizes data about TAY’s use of psychotropic medications across the four waves of the CalYOUTH Study. Our findings show (1) psychotropic medication use declined at the age of majority, (2) use did not differ by whether or not youth were in extended foster care, (3) youth who reported a behavioral health disorder were more likely to take psychotropic medications over time, and (4) the majority of youth that took psychotropic medication reported a positive or neutral view of medication. Results speak to the importance of seeking TAY input when making decisions related to psychotropic medication use, as well as the need for additional research to clarify why psychotropic medication use declines after youth reach the age of majority.