NCJ Number
175066
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 37 Issue: 12 Dated: December 1998 Pages: 1301-1307
Date Published
1998
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Two hundred fourteen female adolescents in a juvenile detention facility were administered a questionnaire that assessed their general beliefs and specific concerns about taking psychiatric medications.
Abstract
The research also examined demographic and historical data, including prior psychiatric drug treatment illicit drug abuse as possible variables influencing attitudes. Results revealed that nearly half the participants were skeptical about the benefits of psychiatric medications. Prior illicit drug use did not influence attitudes. However, having been treated with psychiatric medication was related to enhanced perceptions of the usefulness and acceptance of such therapy. Participants also expressed specific concerns about negative effects of pharmacotherapy. Findings suggested that these delinquent adolescents would benefit from techniques to improve initial attitudes toward treatment. Findings also challenge the prescribing physician to consider the unique worries and concerns that may undermine compliance with medication regimens among teenagers. Tables and 37 references (Author abstract modified)