PARENTAL PSYCHOSOCIAL ATTITUDES AND OPINIONS ON THE USE OF PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATION IN MENTAL DISORDERS OF CHILDHOOD

Psychotropic Medication in Mental Disorders of Childhood

Abstract

Objective: To assess parental practices and attitude regarding administration of psychotropic agents in their
children suffering from psychiatric disorders.
Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: Psychiatry Out-Patient Department (OPD) Mayo Hospital conducted over a span of
6 months, from 15 Apr to 15 Oct 2017.
Material and Methods: Ninety three individuals were included in the study through non-probability purposive
sampling. Informed consent was taken from the parents. A closed ended questionnaire was designed to carry out
a targeted survey which was focused on the knowledge and practices followed by parents during their first
contact in an outpatient department. Parents were asked whether they believe that psychotropic drugs are
effective in the treatment of mental disorders.
Results: Results are based on ninety three responders who participated in answering the questionnaire. Eighty
turned out and submitted the questionnaire for result compilation and analysis. Participants ranged from 19 to 65
years. Males outnumbered female’s patients during the study period by approx, 20%. The study indicated that
two third of the patients had family history of mental illness. Common diagnosis included epilepsy, behavioral/
conversion disorders and mental retardation. One thought-provoking finding among parents was that
psychotropic drugs lead to certain side effects and somehow effects which may causes biological abnormalities
resulting into several medical diseases. Others had a belief that these drugs are addictive and may cause vital
organs failure.
Conclusion: Mostly parents were of the opinion that are of psychotropic drugs lead to certain side effects and
somehow effects brain which may cause biological abnormalities resulting into several medical diseases.